Today morning I got a package from home..actually not directly from home. Papa's boss Dr.Metzger was in Bombay last week, so I'd asked for some things to be sent through him. He was to post it to me from Frankfurt, so I'd get the stuff sooner than if my parents sent it from Bombay...they sent more than I asked for...apart from the notes, medicines and sweater I'd asked for, I also got a photograph of Schnapps and a box full of home-made Diwali sweets, i.e. gujiyas and shakar-pare!!! The extent of my happiness can not be described...infact I was so overwhelmed that I decided to go off somewhere by myself and generally get a grip before I cried or something!!
Since I was studying at the time the package arrived, I grabbed a quick bite and then left for the library. There I read up for class...last week we were lost in the Jane Austen class...for reasons too long to get into here, I don't wanna purchase the book here. Since the book isn't there in the library for loan..its only on the reserve shelf, I have to sit in the library and read it. I read up enough for today's class and was so glad I did coz I could participate in class...and it made sense to me. Ironically I took this class coz Saima wanted to, but now I'm enjoying it more than her...haha!! I think its coz we are free to give our own opinions and interpretations and I like this system of free discussion in class....plus they are approaching JA alot differently than we did in FYBA so she seems more readable now..from a different angle ofcourse...but well the aim is achieved...
Here alone again today coz they checked their mail while I was at the library...after this I'm going to Annika's for dinner as I mentioned yesterday. OHHHHH...I forgot to mention today I was in traditional garb, i.e. Salwar Kurta!!! I was wearing a salwar kurta even on sunday but that was only at home...today I wore my salwar kurta and roamed all over and am going in the same to Annika's also...didn't realise how much I missed wearing it. I mean I'm extremely comfy in jeans and prefer them most of the times, but I wear salwar kurtas just as much back home and wearing it today kinda felt nice....really nice!!! Another reason for nostalgia..LOL!!!
Guess that's it for now....Chao!!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Resolutions and more...
I was thinking last night about how much my blog has started resembling a newspaper...all it consists of these days is reports and updates...there's hardly any introspection, observations, or even rambling...just ABC...period. How boring and mundane could I get? So henceforth I shall try to go back to my rambling style and include personal perceptions, opinions, thoughts et al....
Was walking down alone to the computer room today..felt really good. I mean I enjoy the company of the other two...but since we've come here I do everything along with them...atleast Saima comes along everywhere...so today the solitary walk cleared my senses and made me feel fresh and alive...tho I did feel a bit creeped out when I crossed this part with these huge trees..that part of the campus is dark and silent...tad scary if you have an active imagination like mine!! LOL!!
I plan to get out more like this...not out into the city, but maybe for a walk, or even to the computer room...coffee perhaps? Lets see how far I go with my resolutions...
Today in class we got really bored...Prof Kamble from the Socio dept of our univ is here in Magdeburg for a mth and he took the Dharawi lec today. All that he lectured about was basically repetition for us so we had a tough time restraining ourselves from getting distracted...one thing I can't understand about Indian professors is why they get all defensive and so conscious when they are abroad or in front of a Western academician...I mean he was the authority on Indian sociology in the circumstance, yet he kept referring to the German profs!!! He undermined his own status...completely incomprehensible to me....
The next class was Breunig's class...the same prof who invited us over for dinner last week. Obviously we knew lotsa people there and it felt nice to enter a class and say hullo to everyone and then walk out of the building discussing the lecture and the idiosyncracies of the prof...feels like we are included in the class properly now..not just guests, temporary members....know what I mean?
Tomorrow evening we have been invited to another dinner...this time a classmate...Annika. She was in Mumbai two years ago, so she is also interested n going back for another trip...infact she has applied for the excursion in Feb to Mumbai/Dharawi...anyways shes really quite nice and friendly. This morng she came around and took us to the IKUS office..thats the orgn for intercultural activities...they are organising the trip to Wittenberg. We registered for the trip..after that we visited the univ bookshop and I saw these cool tees with the Univ logo emblazoned on the front...shall pick one up as a momento of sorts...
Hmmm thats's it for now...feeling hungry...just had soup for bfast and grabbed a sandwich in between...shall email home and run back 'home'...talk about wierd...she talks of 2 homes in the same breath!!! Not yet diasporic tho...yes I know my attmept at humour escapes you all...accept it as Geetanjali's idiosyncracies!!! Hahaha!!
Was walking down alone to the computer room today..felt really good. I mean I enjoy the company of the other two...but since we've come here I do everything along with them...atleast Saima comes along everywhere...so today the solitary walk cleared my senses and made me feel fresh and alive...tho I did feel a bit creeped out when I crossed this part with these huge trees..that part of the campus is dark and silent...tad scary if you have an active imagination like mine!! LOL!!
I plan to get out more like this...not out into the city, but maybe for a walk, or even to the computer room...coffee perhaps? Lets see how far I go with my resolutions...
Today in class we got really bored...Prof Kamble from the Socio dept of our univ is here in Magdeburg for a mth and he took the Dharawi lec today. All that he lectured about was basically repetition for us so we had a tough time restraining ourselves from getting distracted...one thing I can't understand about Indian professors is why they get all defensive and so conscious when they are abroad or in front of a Western academician...I mean he was the authority on Indian sociology in the circumstance, yet he kept referring to the German profs!!! He undermined his own status...completely incomprehensible to me....
The next class was Breunig's class...the same prof who invited us over for dinner last week. Obviously we knew lotsa people there and it felt nice to enter a class and say hullo to everyone and then walk out of the building discussing the lecture and the idiosyncracies of the prof...feels like we are included in the class properly now..not just guests, temporary members....know what I mean?
Tomorrow evening we have been invited to another dinner...this time a classmate...Annika. She was in Mumbai two years ago, so she is also interested n going back for another trip...infact she has applied for the excursion in Feb to Mumbai/Dharawi...anyways shes really quite nice and friendly. This morng she came around and took us to the IKUS office..thats the orgn for intercultural activities...they are organising the trip to Wittenberg. We registered for the trip..after that we visited the univ bookshop and I saw these cool tees with the Univ logo emblazoned on the front...shall pick one up as a momento of sorts...
Hmmm thats's it for now...feeling hungry...just had soup for bfast and grabbed a sandwich in between...shall email home and run back 'home'...talk about wierd...she talks of 2 homes in the same breath!!! Not yet diasporic tho...yes I know my attmept at humour escapes you all...accept it as Geetanjali's idiosyncracies!!! Hahaha!!
Monday, October 27, 2003
Weekend update
People have been saying I let our problem child affect me too easily...they are right..its just that she irritates me ALOT! Last night she got all worked up over a small issue and started saying that Saima and I are extremely sensitive and make too much of small issues and shudnt judge ppl. The two of us got very angry over that specially since she herself gossips so much, has made all sorts of gossipy comments about Hardo and his girlfriend Nadine and well we've heard from the horse's mouth itself of how judgemental she is.
Infact this weekend we got very angry with her. She had all but insisted on inviting Hardo's parents over for Diwali and made this big deal of the festival...which really was nothing here and didn't even feel like Diwali in the first place...but anyways we said fine. Then on fri she has to go to her professor'S place and said she'd return on sat morng. We said fine again!!! But fri night she calls and says that she can't come back coz theres a party she doesn't wanna miss. So she called up Hardo's parents and told them to come on sun. They said next sun...she said this sun. I was soooooooo embarassed when I heard that. I mean to cancel is bad enuff but to reschedule to her convenience was appallling....
Anyways on sat morng Saima and I decided to have fun ourselves and stop catering to her whims and facies...so we made french toast fro breakfast...and got ready leisurely...then we set off to the zoo. We caught the tram to Neustadter Platz, then asked for directions in broken german from dictionary and found our way. The zoo (called Zoologishcer Gardens since it also includes a park of sorts) is wonderful...its huge and has alot of animals some of which I've not ever heard of. We spent ard 3 hrs there...and had a small picnic as well since we'd carried sandwiches...we just had some coffee there to warm ourselves up and then walked back to the tram stop, using a diff route, seeing some beautiful cottages on a private road...had a nice time. In the eveg we studied a bit and slept late after talking and browsing magazines...
On sun morng we got up early had tea/coffee and bfast and then set ourselves to cleaning up the apt. We swept and mopped...sprayed perfume in the air, got flowers from the park and put them in a bottle to make the house look nice. Opened the windows and aired the rooms.....Jigisha arrived by anoon, so after that we had a bath, then each cooked her contribution. Mine was alu ki sabzi, in which I used toamto kethcup, amchur, garam masala and salt...and they really liked the subzi alot. Nothing was left, only 1 spoon which Hardo tasted this morng. Jigi made dal and saima made pulav. Jigi also made nariyal ki mithai which refused to set so we served it as nariyal ka halwa.
They got us fruits, choc and wine as gifts..on the whole dinner went ok...I'm carrying back the cork of the wine as a momento..doubt if I'll have place to carry the bottle...
Today we decided to drop the mon lec coz we dint go last week and we still haven't read the book....we were anyways to do only 3-5 lecs and were doing 6. Now we are doing 5 after dropping this one....we are planning going to see the Elbe river. Its the second largest river in germany after the Rhine...there is a cruise so we 'll find out how much that costs....
This friday we r going to Wittenberg on a Univ orngd trip...waiting for that...we also planned out some trips to see Berlin, the local castles and the beer brewery Hardo....and planned out what museums and churches we can visit by ourselves and made this list of Things to Do!!!! Hehehe.....
Infact this weekend we got very angry with her. She had all but insisted on inviting Hardo's parents over for Diwali and made this big deal of the festival...which really was nothing here and didn't even feel like Diwali in the first place...but anyways we said fine. Then on fri she has to go to her professor'S place and said she'd return on sat morng. We said fine again!!! But fri night she calls and says that she can't come back coz theres a party she doesn't wanna miss. So she called up Hardo's parents and told them to come on sun. They said next sun...she said this sun. I was soooooooo embarassed when I heard that. I mean to cancel is bad enuff but to reschedule to her convenience was appallling....
Anyways on sat morng Saima and I decided to have fun ourselves and stop catering to her whims and facies...so we made french toast fro breakfast...and got ready leisurely...then we set off to the zoo. We caught the tram to Neustadter Platz, then asked for directions in broken german from dictionary and found our way. The zoo (called Zoologishcer Gardens since it also includes a park of sorts) is wonderful...its huge and has alot of animals some of which I've not ever heard of. We spent ard 3 hrs there...and had a small picnic as well since we'd carried sandwiches...we just had some coffee there to warm ourselves up and then walked back to the tram stop, using a diff route, seeing some beautiful cottages on a private road...had a nice time. In the eveg we studied a bit and slept late after talking and browsing magazines...
On sun morng we got up early had tea/coffee and bfast and then set ourselves to cleaning up the apt. We swept and mopped...sprayed perfume in the air, got flowers from the park and put them in a bottle to make the house look nice. Opened the windows and aired the rooms.....Jigisha arrived by anoon, so after that we had a bath, then each cooked her contribution. Mine was alu ki sabzi, in which I used toamto kethcup, amchur, garam masala and salt...and they really liked the subzi alot. Nothing was left, only 1 spoon which Hardo tasted this morng. Jigi made dal and saima made pulav. Jigi also made nariyal ki mithai which refused to set so we served it as nariyal ka halwa.
They got us fruits, choc and wine as gifts..on the whole dinner went ok...I'm carrying back the cork of the wine as a momento..doubt if I'll have place to carry the bottle...
Today we decided to drop the mon lec coz we dint go last week and we still haven't read the book....we were anyways to do only 3-5 lecs and were doing 6. Now we are doing 5 after dropping this one....we are planning going to see the Elbe river. Its the second largest river in germany after the Rhine...there is a cruise so we 'll find out how much that costs....
This friday we r going to Wittenberg on a Univ orngd trip...waiting for that...we also planned out some trips to see Berlin, the local castles and the beer brewery Hardo....and planned out what museums and churches we can visit by ourselves and made this list of Things to Do!!!! Hehehe.....
Friday, October 24, 2003
Nights Out, Nights In And More...
Wohkee I am back..tan tada!!! LOL!!
Lets see now I hope I haven't forgotten all what I wanted to blog about. So we went to Prof Breunig's place for dinner on Wednesday. We had to walk down...that was interesting, coz we had to follow his directions and I was reading the city map and guiding us. His house is actually in the centre of the city, but yet set in this very green and almost rural area by appearance at night time!! We reached there a bit early. But Stefan (the guy who amde the presentation a day earlier) was already there, so it wasnt awkward reaching early. Breunig immediately offered us wine or juices...no points for guessing that I chose the former. There was German wine and also Spanish wine...I ended up having 4 glasses in all, 2 of each.
Anyways the other guests gradually trickled in...and tho it was awkward initially I think we made some new friends that evening. I think this was a wonderful idea..this way we've made friends faster and it felt really nice to be invited to Prof Breunig's place, meet his wife, eat properly cooked food, talk to others besides us and Hardo....
Conversation flowed much more freely during and after dinner...which by the way was scrumptious. He had made 4 types of pizza. Saima and I really enjoyed the entire evening coz we liked the food and have no probs talking. Jigisha is our problem child..but I shall not dwell on that topic. I got talking to a guy named Bjorn who wants to come to India next year on the scholarship...interesting fella. Infact what amazes me is the amount these people know..I noticed this even in Hardo...they have quite a bit of knowledge about many topics...something lacking in most young people back home. Ofcourse the ignorant ones here are like REALLY dumb!! So maybe there are just extremes here...too soon for me to jugde anyways...plus not really in a position to judge.
Then thursday and today we didn't do much. Just basically lectures...and a little shopping...bought some gifts and did more exploring of the main city area. We've decided to start our sight-seeing next week and then start venturing out of the town..there is a Univ trip to Wittenberg next Friday...looks promising. Oh!!! Today's lecture was interesting...its on English in non-native contexts...I was in full 'josh' debating heatedly on who decides what is standard English etc etc...ofcourse all my post-colonial studies was guiding my debates...the prof was delighted to hear I'm a student of Dr.Bharucha...which reminds me..there are atleast three of Dr.Veveina's books in the library here. I was very very proud when I saw them...Three cheers for our profs!!! :)
Nothing much else. Its Diwali tomm, but obviously no big deal here. We have invited Hardo's parents over for dinner...not my idea...its gonna be stressful coz Hardo wont be there, and they speak no English as I've mentioned before...but we shall see....Gonna make pulav and dal, with yoghurt and suji ka halwa...pray it tastes fine!!!! LOL!!!
HAPPY DIWALI TO EVERYONE!!!!!
Lets see now I hope I haven't forgotten all what I wanted to blog about. So we went to Prof Breunig's place for dinner on Wednesday. We had to walk down...that was interesting, coz we had to follow his directions and I was reading the city map and guiding us. His house is actually in the centre of the city, but yet set in this very green and almost rural area by appearance at night time!! We reached there a bit early. But Stefan (the guy who amde the presentation a day earlier) was already there, so it wasnt awkward reaching early. Breunig immediately offered us wine or juices...no points for guessing that I chose the former. There was German wine and also Spanish wine...I ended up having 4 glasses in all, 2 of each.
Anyways the other guests gradually trickled in...and tho it was awkward initially I think we made some new friends that evening. I think this was a wonderful idea..this way we've made friends faster and it felt really nice to be invited to Prof Breunig's place, meet his wife, eat properly cooked food, talk to others besides us and Hardo....
Conversation flowed much more freely during and after dinner...which by the way was scrumptious. He had made 4 types of pizza. Saima and I really enjoyed the entire evening coz we liked the food and have no probs talking. Jigisha is our problem child..but I shall not dwell on that topic. I got talking to a guy named Bjorn who wants to come to India next year on the scholarship...interesting fella. Infact what amazes me is the amount these people know..I noticed this even in Hardo...they have quite a bit of knowledge about many topics...something lacking in most young people back home. Ofcourse the ignorant ones here are like REALLY dumb!! So maybe there are just extremes here...too soon for me to jugde anyways...plus not really in a position to judge.
Then thursday and today we didn't do much. Just basically lectures...and a little shopping...bought some gifts and did more exploring of the main city area. We've decided to start our sight-seeing next week and then start venturing out of the town..there is a Univ trip to Wittenberg next Friday...looks promising. Oh!!! Today's lecture was interesting...its on English in non-native contexts...I was in full 'josh' debating heatedly on who decides what is standard English etc etc...ofcourse all my post-colonial studies was guiding my debates...the prof was delighted to hear I'm a student of Dr.Bharucha...which reminds me..there are atleast three of Dr.Veveina's books in the library here. I was very very proud when I saw them...Three cheers for our profs!!! :)
Nothing much else. Its Diwali tomm, but obviously no big deal here. We have invited Hardo's parents over for dinner...not my idea...its gonna be stressful coz Hardo wont be there, and they speak no English as I've mentioned before...but we shall see....Gonna make pulav and dal, with yoghurt and suji ka halwa...pray it tastes fine!!!! LOL!!!
HAPPY DIWALI TO EVERYONE!!!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Celebrations et al....
Yesterday was Jiigisha's birthday....I was not the least bit excited becoz well it seemed a bit immature and I don't make that big a deal of my birthday...would not do anything if not for friends....anyways Hardo got her a gift hamper so she was thrilled. Then we had lectures all day and were basically busy. Yesterday it rained all day and was cold and chilly...temperatures are about 8 degress or so now....and its bloody windy. Our lectures yesterday were interesting...in the lecture on Dharawi I did a lot of talking about the history of Bombay and the re-naming of the city to Mumbai. In the next lecture on Blake , we had this abso immature and bizarre presentation by a supposedly erudite student...Saima and I had a tough time keeping a straight face...we came up with very valid points of discussion later. A whole load of students came up to us yesterday to talk to us...so it seems we shall make some more friends besides Hardo..thank god!!!
We came home and racked our brains about dinner coz it was raining and the restaurants near by were shut...there was next to no grocery left..no sugar also!! Finally made a mixed bhaji..later Jigisha produced Apple pie and Choc pastry...the pie was delicious..since only Hardo and I liked it...I got to eat Jigisha's and Saima'S share as well...crazy two to prefer the choc pastry which is really so common..OK Geets's Bitchy side surfaces again!!! LOL!!!
Hardo had to leave then coz his l'amour beckoned...so after that we three went out for a stroll and coffee. I discovered that a glass of wine costs the same as a cappucino and less than a mochiatto...so next time I'm drinking wine....speaking of wine, tonight we are going to Prof Breunig's home for literary discussions over pizza and wine..looking forward to it...defi the pizza and wine if not the discussions...hahaha!!!
Today was an OK day...we had a meeting with Prof Wiemann finally and decided on our presentation on Bollywood representations of Mumbai. The lecture was a tad boring coz I'm anyways not a big fan of Jane Austen and I've not even read the novel concerned....but we did our weekly shopping today. Saima and I went before lectures and got enough so we don't need to go for atleast 10 days...we had a tough time carrying it back but now that we use the trams its easier than carrying it all the way home on foot...that used to be tough on the muscles!!! We had a nice Garman lady who was conerned about us when we asked if Tram # 3 goes to Universitaat platz...she was this grandmotherly lady and she thought we were absolutely new and helped us with the bags into the tram and even pointed out the direction to us when we were getting down from the tram...felt nice...!!!
That's it for now....
We came home and racked our brains about dinner coz it was raining and the restaurants near by were shut...there was next to no grocery left..no sugar also!! Finally made a mixed bhaji..later Jigisha produced Apple pie and Choc pastry...the pie was delicious..since only Hardo and I liked it...I got to eat Jigisha's and Saima'S share as well...crazy two to prefer the choc pastry which is really so common..OK Geets's Bitchy side surfaces again!!! LOL!!!
Hardo had to leave then coz his l'amour beckoned...so after that we three went out for a stroll and coffee. I discovered that a glass of wine costs the same as a cappucino and less than a mochiatto...so next time I'm drinking wine....speaking of wine, tonight we are going to Prof Breunig's home for literary discussions over pizza and wine..looking forward to it...defi the pizza and wine if not the discussions...hahaha!!!
Today was an OK day...we had a meeting with Prof Wiemann finally and decided on our presentation on Bollywood representations of Mumbai. The lecture was a tad boring coz I'm anyways not a big fan of Jane Austen and I've not even read the novel concerned....but we did our weekly shopping today. Saima and I went before lectures and got enough so we don't need to go for atleast 10 days...we had a tough time carrying it back but now that we use the trams its easier than carrying it all the way home on foot...that used to be tough on the muscles!!! We had a nice Garman lady who was conerned about us when we asked if Tram # 3 goes to Universitaat platz...she was this grandmotherly lady and she thought we were absolutely new and helped us with the bags into the tram and even pointed out the direction to us when we were getting down from the tram...felt nice...!!!
That's it for now....
Monday, October 20, 2003
Long boring weekend
Gosh this weekend was so boring....mainly coz we didn't do anything aside from window shopping..that was OK...I mean all I did was browse this supermarket and mentally noted down the stuff I can buy as gifts later..but thats it...I mean ''dead'' is how I'd describe the weekend. To make things worse atmosphere at 'home' was tense all of sunday so we weren't talking to each other and were studying, of all the things...by night we had all studied ourselves out of our skulls and sat down for a mature talk. We planned out the things we can do on the forthcoming weekends so we don't get stale sitting at home....
Today morng we woke up to find that the radiator had sprung a leak in the living room and there was water all over. After mopping it up, we had to deal with the maintainance guy, plumber and the lady below whose house already had leakage....they shall replace our radiator tomm, but we luckily dont have to pay for it...which is a relief!!! The lady downstairs too agreed we don't have to pay for her wallpaper, since its not out fault...that was nice of her!! Ofcourse we needed to wait for Hardo to come before we could solve that problem, becoz of the lang barrier!!! I hated that bit..felt so handicapped coz I knew the problem but had to hold back only coz I couldn't express myself..urghhh!!! Hate having my hands tied back...specially when I can pinpoint the problem and know the solution as well....gah!!!
Aside from that, what else have I still got to update on? Basically about the class structure....its really informal and I liked that. But what I didn't like was the complete lack of respect for professors...the students here just don't respect the prof, they talk loudly in class and are very stand-offish in their attitude towards the prof. Infact I guess that's one reason why the profs like us so much...coz we habitually give them the respect due to a teacher. Ofcourse they are also happy coz we are so interested in what is ebing taught despite it being not related to our MA degree at all. If you noticed we are attending 3 lectures of D.Wiemann....and he's really happy with us coz we are very verbal in his classes. Tomm we have to meet him regarding a presentation....
On sat we also finally got our library cards..we borrowed 4 books immediately..I loved the atm in the library and I think I'll spend alot of time there during the week....studying, reading etc...I can also access the net from there..so voila..my new adda!! Hahaha!!!
Hmmmm...I think this is it for today..until next time....tschuss!!!
Today morng we woke up to find that the radiator had sprung a leak in the living room and there was water all over. After mopping it up, we had to deal with the maintainance guy, plumber and the lady below whose house already had leakage....they shall replace our radiator tomm, but we luckily dont have to pay for it...which is a relief!!! The lady downstairs too agreed we don't have to pay for her wallpaper, since its not out fault...that was nice of her!! Ofcourse we needed to wait for Hardo to come before we could solve that problem, becoz of the lang barrier!!! I hated that bit..felt so handicapped coz I knew the problem but had to hold back only coz I couldn't express myself..urghhh!!! Hate having my hands tied back...specially when I can pinpoint the problem and know the solution as well....gah!!!
Aside from that, what else have I still got to update on? Basically about the class structure....its really informal and I liked that. But what I didn't like was the complete lack of respect for professors...the students here just don't respect the prof, they talk loudly in class and are very stand-offish in their attitude towards the prof. Infact I guess that's one reason why the profs like us so much...coz we habitually give them the respect due to a teacher. Ofcourse they are also happy coz we are so interested in what is ebing taught despite it being not related to our MA degree at all. If you noticed we are attending 3 lectures of D.Wiemann....and he's really happy with us coz we are very verbal in his classes. Tomm we have to meet him regarding a presentation....
On sat we also finally got our library cards..we borrowed 4 books immediately..I loved the atm in the library and I think I'll spend alot of time there during the week....studying, reading etc...I can also access the net from there..so voila..my new adda!! Hahaha!!!
Hmmmm...I think this is it for today..until next time....tschuss!!!
Saturday, October 18, 2003
Update 2
I'm back with more blah blah....
Last sunday was perhaps the most memorable and idyllic days of my life. Hardo had invited us to his place...he picked us after lunch and we drove down to his village : Burgstall. On the way we passed a local brewery that I made him promise we'd visit later. They make beer from this local water that passes through this sponge-like stone and is very clean and cold (approx 5 deg centigrade)..then wes topped at his mother's dispernsary behing which is a small animal farm, where we played with a deer. After that we headed to his home..e..he stays with his parents surprisngly! His house is very charming...near the woods, it was built in 1969 and modernised later. They have a huge backyard with a pool filled with fishes and lots of lowers all around. After meeting his parents, who unfortunately speak only German and his girlfriend Nadine, we set off for a long walk in the woods. We picked up mushrooms, unluckily the berries weren't ripe yet. The walk was something completely awesome..the sensation of walking in the woods surrounded by tall cedar and oak trees, the quite all around, punctuated only by the sound of our footsteps , our breating and our own voices with the occassional call of a bird. The feeling of ebing wrapped in the greenery all around...the peace from within..it was serenely beautiful!!! In the end we visited the local moors in which 2 tanks sank during the World War II and several people have disappeared. That was very exciting...Hardo taught us how to jump on cumps of grass so we don't sink in...kinda scary but fun as well.
Back at his place we had dinner and left after that....a most enjoyable and almost perfect day..had I known German it would have been perfect...regrets regrets!!!
We've been having major discussion every evening that ranges topics from love life (haha), school days, religious beliefs, cultural attitudes and values, feminism et al!! MAkes for active exercise of the grey cells and fills the long dark and very quiet evenings....
On a funny note before I stop for the day..I've been getting funny results with my lanudry. Each time I've done my lanudry I end up putting some coloured garment in it..so I now have undergamrnets n sahdes of blue and pink..highly funny to see them..even wierder wearing them!! Hahaha!! Ah well I'll learn as I experience newer wierder stuff...:)
Unitl next time...I hope to see more comments on this blog...Ciao!!
Last sunday was perhaps the most memorable and idyllic days of my life. Hardo had invited us to his place...he picked us after lunch and we drove down to his village : Burgstall. On the way we passed a local brewery that I made him promise we'd visit later. They make beer from this local water that passes through this sponge-like stone and is very clean and cold (approx 5 deg centigrade)..then wes topped at his mother's dispernsary behing which is a small animal farm, where we played with a deer. After that we headed to his home..e..he stays with his parents surprisngly! His house is very charming...near the woods, it was built in 1969 and modernised later. They have a huge backyard with a pool filled with fishes and lots of lowers all around. After meeting his parents, who unfortunately speak only German and his girlfriend Nadine, we set off for a long walk in the woods. We picked up mushrooms, unluckily the berries weren't ripe yet. The walk was something completely awesome..the sensation of walking in the woods surrounded by tall cedar and oak trees, the quite all around, punctuated only by the sound of our footsteps , our breating and our own voices with the occassional call of a bird. The feeling of ebing wrapped in the greenery all around...the peace from within..it was serenely beautiful!!! In the end we visited the local moors in which 2 tanks sank during the World War II and several people have disappeared. That was very exciting...Hardo taught us how to jump on cumps of grass so we don't sink in...kinda scary but fun as well.
Back at his place we had dinner and left after that....a most enjoyable and almost perfect day..had I known German it would have been perfect...regrets regrets!!!
We've been having major discussion every evening that ranges topics from love life (haha), school days, religious beliefs, cultural attitudes and values, feminism et al!! MAkes for active exercise of the grey cells and fills the long dark and very quiet evenings....
On a funny note before I stop for the day..I've been getting funny results with my lanudry. Each time I've done my lanudry I end up putting some coloured garment in it..so I now have undergamrnets n sahdes of blue and pink..highly funny to see them..even wierder wearing them!! Hahaha!! Ah well I'll learn as I experience newer wierder stuff...:)
Unitl next time...I hope to see more comments on this blog...Ciao!!
Friday, October 17, 2003
Update 1
As I promised yesterday I'm back today with updates...it will be gradual, so please don't expect all the news at one shot...
The last few hours before I left for the airport, I was really tense..had like butterflies clamouring for attention in my stomach. But it settled down and by the time I reached the airport I was my usual calm and composed self. Though it was my first time in the airport (I refuse to count the few times I've flown as a kid), and international airports are so confusing, we managed just fine. Got through check-in, security check etc smoothly and then called up the people I wanted to talk to before boarding the flight. That was sentimental few hours!!
The flight by itself was OK. I had like absolutely no reaction to taking-off, landing...you know the usual nausea and giddyness people experience. Infact I slept quite comfortably once I managed to settle into the tiny seat. An interesting thing was that my experience echoed that of others in my acquaintance who'v travelled by Alitalia - the crew is extremely inept and inhospitable. Bordering on rude..if you don't act like this bossy authority, they just rail-road over your requests and almost see through you!! Siama and Jigisha had a slight problem with the food, but I quite liked what they served except for the chole for breakfast...I was quite revolted seeing chole in my tray almost as soon as I opened my eyes...but then we all know my so-called 'firang' tastes!! Hahah!
Anyways we landed at Milan airport at 6.58 am local time, and spent 2 hours at the airport...pretty boring coz none of the custom duty shops were open that early!!
The flight from Milan to Berlin was in one of those tiny cute 56 seater planes...that was awesome...we could see out of the windows and I just totally enjoyed seeing the perfect landscapes, the red roofs of the tiny cottages, the snow-capped mountains and then the clouds....it was an amazing experience.
We landed at Berlin at local time 11.20 am, and Hardo was waiting for us. He was exactly as I remembered him (appearances) - tall, shaggy, with long hair and a beard that reminds me of blue-beard for some strange reason! Ofcourse I had completely read the cover wrong, for the book (him as a person) inside is a warm, friendly and very helpful person. Throughout the hour long drive down to Magdeburg he talked about a wide range of topics from his experience when he landed in Mumbai last year, where he stayed, what we have to do once we reach Magdeburg, the local area history, about the town, a little information about places we passed etc etc. We passed this man-made structure called the Kali mountains...they were created due to the artificial production of salt in the region. The alkaline nature of the soil in the region has destroyed the vegetation around the mountains ...I found this very interesting - yet another example of how materialisation adn industrialisation has affected natural elements...
We reached Magdeburg and headed straight for the University where we met Prof Lange. After that we headed to the estate agent's office and signed the contract for the flat....we are now paying 444.60 Eu for it....
The flat itself was a surprise..quite dirty by German standards. But much bigger than what we expected. We have 2 bedrooms, a huge living room, a bathroom, a kitchen and a balcony as well. All the rooms are heated except the balcony. Tha bathroom was the dirtiest of all...and most annoyingly has no drain except the one in the bathtub...which means when water spills out of the tub, you either let it stay there and tolerate the damp smell (there are no windows) or get down and mop it up daily...well cleaning up that place was a mammoth task which we took on later in the week. Had to numb our senses before we plunged into the task..but now that it's clean, we are quite pleased with ourselves.
We also had to sweep, mop and clean up the other rooms. It was extremely dirty as we got it. We ended up re-arranging the furniture and shifting cupboards around so that the place looks nice, warm and inviting..more of a home than a house. We did this on saturday nearly a week after we arrived coz till then we were busy getting ourselves enrolled, getting registered with the local council, settling in basically. We couldn't have managed this without Hardo, coz he pretty much smoothed the way for us and we didn't have to do much else ebyond signing!!! He's been an angel through-out...wrangling his way trhough for our work, when he didn't need to do anything of the sort...thank god for him!!!!
Classes started this week...so far we've had only introductory lectures but the professors are impressed by us and we'Ve already gained a reputation in the languages deparments...becuase we not onlly interact in class, our POVs seem to be of a level higher than that of the students here...plus we've offered to do presentations out of interest not necessity so that acts in our favour. These are the classes I've signed up for:
1. Alternative and Parallel Englands - Swift's Gulliver's Travels and Defoe's Robinson Crusoe (D.Wiemann)
2. Political, socio-economic and cultural asepcts of Indian society today: the case of Bombay/Dharawi (D.Wiemann)
3. William Blake (H.W.Breunig)
4. Janespotting :Austen in print and on screen (D.Wiemann)
5. City cultures in Britain (B.P.Lange)
6. English in non-native contexts (K.Ebeling)
I had wanted to do the courses on post-colonialism but they got cancelled so I had to come here and change my decision and settle for these...so far they seem very interesting...
Hmm..pretty tired for now..shall pick this up tomm...until then..ciao!!
The last few hours before I left for the airport, I was really tense..had like butterflies clamouring for attention in my stomach. But it settled down and by the time I reached the airport I was my usual calm and composed self. Though it was my first time in the airport (I refuse to count the few times I've flown as a kid), and international airports are so confusing, we managed just fine. Got through check-in, security check etc smoothly and then called up the people I wanted to talk to before boarding the flight. That was sentimental few hours!!
The flight by itself was OK. I had like absolutely no reaction to taking-off, landing...you know the usual nausea and giddyness people experience. Infact I slept quite comfortably once I managed to settle into the tiny seat. An interesting thing was that my experience echoed that of others in my acquaintance who'v travelled by Alitalia - the crew is extremely inept and inhospitable. Bordering on rude..if you don't act like this bossy authority, they just rail-road over your requests and almost see through you!! Siama and Jigisha had a slight problem with the food, but I quite liked what they served except for the chole for breakfast...I was quite revolted seeing chole in my tray almost as soon as I opened my eyes...but then we all know my so-called 'firang' tastes!! Hahah!
Anyways we landed at Milan airport at 6.58 am local time, and spent 2 hours at the airport...pretty boring coz none of the custom duty shops were open that early!!
The flight from Milan to Berlin was in one of those tiny cute 56 seater planes...that was awesome...we could see out of the windows and I just totally enjoyed seeing the perfect landscapes, the red roofs of the tiny cottages, the snow-capped mountains and then the clouds....it was an amazing experience.
We landed at Berlin at local time 11.20 am, and Hardo was waiting for us. He was exactly as I remembered him (appearances) - tall, shaggy, with long hair and a beard that reminds me of blue-beard for some strange reason! Ofcourse I had completely read the cover wrong, for the book (him as a person) inside is a warm, friendly and very helpful person. Throughout the hour long drive down to Magdeburg he talked about a wide range of topics from his experience when he landed in Mumbai last year, where he stayed, what we have to do once we reach Magdeburg, the local area history, about the town, a little information about places we passed etc etc. We passed this man-made structure called the Kali mountains...they were created due to the artificial production of salt in the region. The alkaline nature of the soil in the region has destroyed the vegetation around the mountains ...I found this very interesting - yet another example of how materialisation adn industrialisation has affected natural elements...
We reached Magdeburg and headed straight for the University where we met Prof Lange. After that we headed to the estate agent's office and signed the contract for the flat....we are now paying 444.60 Eu for it....
The flat itself was a surprise..quite dirty by German standards. But much bigger than what we expected. We have 2 bedrooms, a huge living room, a bathroom, a kitchen and a balcony as well. All the rooms are heated except the balcony. Tha bathroom was the dirtiest of all...and most annoyingly has no drain except the one in the bathtub...which means when water spills out of the tub, you either let it stay there and tolerate the damp smell (there are no windows) or get down and mop it up daily...well cleaning up that place was a mammoth task which we took on later in the week. Had to numb our senses before we plunged into the task..but now that it's clean, we are quite pleased with ourselves.
We also had to sweep, mop and clean up the other rooms. It was extremely dirty as we got it. We ended up re-arranging the furniture and shifting cupboards around so that the place looks nice, warm and inviting..more of a home than a house. We did this on saturday nearly a week after we arrived coz till then we were busy getting ourselves enrolled, getting registered with the local council, settling in basically. We couldn't have managed this without Hardo, coz he pretty much smoothed the way for us and we didn't have to do much else ebyond signing!!! He's been an angel through-out...wrangling his way trhough for our work, when he didn't need to do anything of the sort...thank god for him!!!!
Classes started this week...so far we've had only introductory lectures but the professors are impressed by us and we'Ve already gained a reputation in the languages deparments...becuase we not onlly interact in class, our POVs seem to be of a level higher than that of the students here...plus we've offered to do presentations out of interest not necessity so that acts in our favour. These are the classes I've signed up for:
1. Alternative and Parallel Englands - Swift's Gulliver's Travels and Defoe's Robinson Crusoe (D.Wiemann)
2. Political, socio-economic and cultural asepcts of Indian society today: the case of Bombay/Dharawi (D.Wiemann)
3. William Blake (H.W.Breunig)
4. Janespotting :Austen in print and on screen (D.Wiemann)
5. City cultures in Britain (B.P.Lange)
6. English in non-native contexts (K.Ebeling)
I had wanted to do the courses on post-colonialism but they got cancelled so I had to come here and change my decision and settle for these...so far they seem very interesting...
Hmm..pretty tired for now..shall pick this up tomm...until then..ciao!!
Thursday, October 16, 2003
Guten Tag
Phew..long absence from me right? Well it couldn't be helped...while I could access the internet thanks to Hardo's daya-maya as it were, emails took priority over blogging! Sigh...well I finally managed to get my own internet access today..so I'm gonna begin the process of updating my blog and gonna start commenting on my experiences from today...
I wanted to give a day-to-day itenary of my experiences here, but I've been online for ages today already and kinda tired of going tap-tap-tap at the keyboard in this foreig atmosphere..so used to emailing and blogging in my own private space!!! Well for three months I have to learn to do with a computer room where Tom,Dick and Harry pass by and not react!!!
So far this place has really been agreeable...I've settled in really well and have adapted perfectly to the very German surroundings..even gotten used to greeting people with 'Guten Tag' and saying 'Danke' and 'Tschuss'...ofcourse I wish now that I knew German as well as French...infact I'm all the more resolute now in my decision to visit Patricia in Bordeaux where I can use my foreign langugae skills, so to speak!!!
You know it's very odd, people mentioned that I'll face problems getting accustomed to the 'gora' skin all around, maybe face some racism, find the quiteness jarring, find the Germans cold, etc etc....but I've suffered so no culture shocks, find the Germans warm, affectionate and helpful even when they haven#t a clue of what you are trying to say, and generally like the difference in the pace and style of living..I could get used to this...it's really quite something else all together to fall asleep to the sound of your own breathing and the sound of the clock ticking, to get up in the morning and hear NOTHING, ...to walk everywhere...blah blah blah...the whole experience is remarkable!!! I'm really glad of this opportunity I've been given..Merci Bon Dieu!!
Want to blog n blog n blog...but for today I shall stop here...tomorrow I return with my dairy and post a more detailed blog about my experiences in the first 10 days...
Ah it feels soooooooooo good to be back....
I wanted to give a day-to-day itenary of my experiences here, but I've been online for ages today already and kinda tired of going tap-tap-tap at the keyboard in this foreig atmosphere..so used to emailing and blogging in my own private space!!! Well for three months I have to learn to do with a computer room where Tom,Dick and Harry pass by and not react!!!
So far this place has really been agreeable...I've settled in really well and have adapted perfectly to the very German surroundings..even gotten used to greeting people with 'Guten Tag' and saying 'Danke' and 'Tschuss'...ofcourse I wish now that I knew German as well as French...infact I'm all the more resolute now in my decision to visit Patricia in Bordeaux where I can use my foreign langugae skills, so to speak!!!
You know it's very odd, people mentioned that I'll face problems getting accustomed to the 'gora' skin all around, maybe face some racism, find the quiteness jarring, find the Germans cold, etc etc....but I've suffered so no culture shocks, find the Germans warm, affectionate and helpful even when they haven#t a clue of what you are trying to say, and generally like the difference in the pace and style of living..I could get used to this...it's really quite something else all together to fall asleep to the sound of your own breathing and the sound of the clock ticking, to get up in the morning and hear NOTHING, ...to walk everywhere...blah blah blah...the whole experience is remarkable!!! I'm really glad of this opportunity I've been given..Merci Bon Dieu!!
Want to blog n blog n blog...but for today I shall stop here...tomorrow I return with my dairy and post a more detailed blog about my experiences in the first 10 days...
Ah it feels soooooooooo good to be back....
Sunday, October 05, 2003
All My Bags Are Packed..I'm Ready To Go
Hehe...don't worry it's not John Denver deja vu time! It's just me getting all sappy and soapy! Well not quite...only in that I'm humming this song...couldn't come up with a better refrain to capture the essence of the moment...
So the last few days just rushed past. I'd hoped to savour every moment of the last few days, generally relaxing at home with family. But a whole load of friends wanted to meet me in the last few days itself, plus I insisted on attending till the last possible day, and that left little time to do anything remotely connected to 'relaxing'!!! Anyways despite all the rushing around, running to get ends tied, it's all been done now..my bags are packed. Even my handbag is now packed...tickets, passport etc are all in - they are truly standing by the door waiting to be picked up and be on their way.
The next few days will probably pass in a haze. Tomm we land at Milan at 7.30 am (Milan time) and have a 2 hours halt there, before we proceed to Berlin. At Berlin airport we will be picked up by Hardo Seligmaan, who will drive us down to Magdeburg. It's a 2 hour drive (approximately). Once there, we have to see the flat, finalise it and sign the contract...then begin to settle in...I doubt we will go out much on the first day, except maybe to pick up the basic supplies. We are carrying some stuff so that we do not have to do much exploring in our jet-lagged and exhausted state. I have my tea-bags, so all I'll need is water and within a few minutes I'll be revived. And we are carrying Maggi noodles...god I don't believe I'll eat those, but well gotta co-operate with others too. I so abhor those instant noodles...but ah well. I know the other 2 are carrying other 'eatables' as well...me I plan to get some groceries in on 7th itself and have some sandwiches..no cooking dal-chawal from day 1 puhleeeeese!!!
Phew the first week will probab rush past like this last week has...I hope there aint too much of homesickness - that will drive me up the wall for sure! I'm carrying plenty of reading maal to keep me occupied during the 'long winter evenings'...ah reminds me of Frost's poem, Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening' - not much connection really, except the mood perhaps....odd I'm STILL not excited...tho I am nervous now. Slept very fitfully last night, kept thinking of what needs to be done, how I'll survive there, how much I'll miss home, family n friends, how much I'll miss blogging comfortably in my own environment, how last night was the last time I'd sleep on my bed for 3 months..so on and so forth...
Guess this is it then...dunno when I'll blog next-defi at the first available opportunity for sure! Cudn't do without it...I'm so addicted to this thing!
Until next time..adios amigos..
Cheers!
So the last few days just rushed past. I'd hoped to savour every moment of the last few days, generally relaxing at home with family. But a whole load of friends wanted to meet me in the last few days itself, plus I insisted on attending till the last possible day, and that left little time to do anything remotely connected to 'relaxing'!!! Anyways despite all the rushing around, running to get ends tied, it's all been done now..my bags are packed. Even my handbag is now packed...tickets, passport etc are all in - they are truly standing by the door waiting to be picked up and be on their way.
The next few days will probably pass in a haze. Tomm we land at Milan at 7.30 am (Milan time) and have a 2 hours halt there, before we proceed to Berlin. At Berlin airport we will be picked up by Hardo Seligmaan, who will drive us down to Magdeburg. It's a 2 hour drive (approximately). Once there, we have to see the flat, finalise it and sign the contract...then begin to settle in...I doubt we will go out much on the first day, except maybe to pick up the basic supplies. We are carrying some stuff so that we do not have to do much exploring in our jet-lagged and exhausted state. I have my tea-bags, so all I'll need is water and within a few minutes I'll be revived. And we are carrying Maggi noodles...god I don't believe I'll eat those, but well gotta co-operate with others too. I so abhor those instant noodles...but ah well. I know the other 2 are carrying other 'eatables' as well...me I plan to get some groceries in on 7th itself and have some sandwiches..no cooking dal-chawal from day 1 puhleeeeese!!!
Phew the first week will probab rush past like this last week has...I hope there aint too much of homesickness - that will drive me up the wall for sure! I'm carrying plenty of reading maal to keep me occupied during the 'long winter evenings'...ah reminds me of Frost's poem, Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening' - not much connection really, except the mood perhaps....odd I'm STILL not excited...tho I am nervous now. Slept very fitfully last night, kept thinking of what needs to be done, how I'll survive there, how much I'll miss home, family n friends, how much I'll miss blogging comfortably in my own environment, how last night was the last time I'd sleep on my bed for 3 months..so on and so forth...
Guess this is it then...dunno when I'll blog next-defi at the first available opportunity for sure! Cudn't do without it...I'm so addicted to this thing!
Until next time..adios amigos..
Cheers!
Thursday, October 02, 2003
Gearing Up To Leave
Wow....the last few days have been busy. And the next few are not gonna be any easier! Luckily all that I need is now at home and organised, so all I gotta do now is put in the bag. Today Jigisha, Saima and I had a meeting to decide what stuff we need to carry in terms of food...and man, I never realised how phirang I am. I seem to be the only babe who's least bothered about carrying all this typical Indian stuff to eat! They were amazed, but as I pointed out to them I can't miss in Germany what I don't eat even in India. and simple basic Indian food maybe once a week will keep me happy - rest of the time I can happily survive on Salads, Soups, Pastas, and the other stuff you get there! Infact I got quite a shock when Jigisha started talking about dosas and idlis...I told her I refuse to even consider carrying stuff for that and if she wants to, its her headache....they think I'm a prime candidate for living abroad...LOL!!!
Anyways I didn't have my presentation on Tues, so now I finish that tomm, as well as my examination form red-tape. So I have to make a visit to the Univ tomm despite not planning to....but well Sat is free...and I plan to start packing tomm evening, so that I'm all packed and organised by Saturday evening. Sunday being Bhaiyya's birthday I don't wanna have any last minute problems and rushing around...as it is we gotta be at the airport by 10.15 pm...
Lots to do...mind always rushing ahead...nopes no excitement yet...LOL! I'm incorrigible, ain't I?
Anyways I didn't have my presentation on Tues, so now I finish that tomm, as well as my examination form red-tape. So I have to make a visit to the Univ tomm despite not planning to....but well Sat is free...and I plan to start packing tomm evening, so that I'm all packed and organised by Saturday evening. Sunday being Bhaiyya's birthday I don't wanna have any last minute problems and rushing around...as it is we gotta be at the airport by 10.15 pm...
Lots to do...mind always rushing ahead...nopes no excitement yet...LOL! I'm incorrigible, ain't I?
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Geetsphotos
As promised here are the photos we took on the 28th September - they are in the album entitled 28th Sept. Check 'em out!!
Heppy Bir-Day To Meeeeeeee!!!
LOL!!! Well it turned out quite crazy, zombie-ish but fine I guess. Let's pick up from where I left off...
So on Sunday we had a small family get-together of sorts at Rakesh Bhaiyya's place - Bua-phuphaji and Vinita didi from Delhi, Chacha-Chachi-Shubhra didi and Rashi from Pune, the five of us and ofcourse Rakesh Bhaiyya,Ruma bhabhi, Richa and Rashi...the occasion? Nothing much-basically sicken bua-phuphaji are down from Delhi chacha-chachi came from Pune to meet them. Shubhra didi spent the morning with us. She has given me MORE woolens - now with my own stuff, Ruma bhabhi's and Richa's and didi's woolens I can merrily pick and choose what to carry and generally have a wide variety of stuff, provided I have space to carry it! LOL! Now my clothing for the trip is definitely not missing anything! I have more than I need actually. Didi also gave lil bit of of gyan that will be a big help in Magdeburg....danke!! The get-together was loads of fun...Typically confusing as family get-togethers are, with some interesting anecdotes coming out and generally warmth in kinship! Got some photos which I'll upload on Geetsphotos soon....
In the evening I was STRESSED! It seemed that only Tasneem and Aranyak would turn up for the rendezvous, I was very upset with Appu coz she didn't come, but then she wasn't well and had her TOEFL exam coming up...sigh! Anyways in the end Amisha, Preeti and Amit also came. The last two didn't eat, they came to just to wish me and spend some time with me....so I was pretty happy. I was so sure Amit wouldn't come...so that was an added bonus!!!Tasu and Aranyak gave me a bottle of wine...we polished that off in the night itself...Tasu and Amisha left early, but Amit, Aranyak and Preeti stuck around till after midnight to wish me. Preeti stayed till 3 am...we talked about all sorts of 'girly' stuff...Muhahaha!!! Kunu called at midnight - my darling Kunu - he also sent me a bouquet of beautiful while gladioli!! Appu also called and the next day loads of people called all day :)
Next day...phew! Got up at 6 am so that's only 3 hours of sleep, half of what I MUST HAVE in order to function like a Sane Individual. I had to go to the consulate for my visa-correction. Papa and I went there, got the work done quickly (that grouchy man was nowhere to be seen thank god!), had b'fast at Mondegars and then quickly picked up some gifts for people I shall meet in Europe and then he dropped me to the university for my lectures. I was awake till 2 pm..after that the last lecture was agony! My eyes kept shutting...I've never felt soooooooo sleepy every before..it was so bizarre...I was writing with my eyes closed and looked so drunk and dazed! LOL! I left after that not wanting to fall asleep somewhere on the road! Hahaha! Surprisingly a whole lot of people gave me gifts..very overwhelming and nice! Made me feel special and warm inside...tho I was too sleepy to react properly to anyone of them...*Sheepish Look*
Back home phuphaji told me about my 'future' - he's damn good at this stuff - and I found some of it very interesting! Not to be shared on public sites ofcourse!! LOL! Got some very nice ecards from Nitin, Adi, Divya and Odell(our College Gopi and my completely whacky fundoo pal!!)...
We went for dinner to Mainland China...yummy food. It totally makes up for the 1 hour commute to the god-forsaken Saki Naka! Got home and crashed....coz I had to get up at 5 am today to work on my presentation on Ngugi wa Thiongo - I still am not prepared...gonna give loads of superficial talk today...lordy help moi!!!
Today is gonna be yet another hectic and loooong day...but from tomorrow I have nothing major to do, so it's gonna be 'dealing with small' things and packing time from Thursday onwards...guess the countdown begins now???
So on Sunday we had a small family get-together of sorts at Rakesh Bhaiyya's place - Bua-phuphaji and Vinita didi from Delhi, Chacha-Chachi-Shubhra didi and Rashi from Pune, the five of us and ofcourse Rakesh Bhaiyya,Ruma bhabhi, Richa and Rashi...the occasion? Nothing much-basically sicken bua-phuphaji are down from Delhi chacha-chachi came from Pune to meet them. Shubhra didi spent the morning with us. She has given me MORE woolens - now with my own stuff, Ruma bhabhi's and Richa's and didi's woolens I can merrily pick and choose what to carry and generally have a wide variety of stuff, provided I have space to carry it! LOL! Now my clothing for the trip is definitely not missing anything! I have more than I need actually. Didi also gave lil bit of of gyan that will be a big help in Magdeburg....danke!! The get-together was loads of fun...Typically confusing as family get-togethers are, with some interesting anecdotes coming out and generally warmth in kinship! Got some photos which I'll upload on Geetsphotos soon....
In the evening I was STRESSED! It seemed that only Tasneem and Aranyak would turn up for the rendezvous, I was very upset with Appu coz she didn't come, but then she wasn't well and had her TOEFL exam coming up...sigh! Anyways in the end Amisha, Preeti and Amit also came. The last two didn't eat, they came to just to wish me and spend some time with me....so I was pretty happy. I was so sure Amit wouldn't come...so that was an added bonus!!!Tasu and Aranyak gave me a bottle of wine...we polished that off in the night itself...Tasu and Amisha left early, but Amit, Aranyak and Preeti stuck around till after midnight to wish me. Preeti stayed till 3 am...we talked about all sorts of 'girly' stuff...Muhahaha!!! Kunu called at midnight - my darling Kunu - he also sent me a bouquet of beautiful while gladioli!! Appu also called and the next day loads of people called all day :)
Next day...phew! Got up at 6 am so that's only 3 hours of sleep, half of what I MUST HAVE in order to function like a Sane Individual. I had to go to the consulate for my visa-correction. Papa and I went there, got the work done quickly (that grouchy man was nowhere to be seen thank god!), had b'fast at Mondegars and then quickly picked up some gifts for people I shall meet in Europe and then he dropped me to the university for my lectures. I was awake till 2 pm..after that the last lecture was agony! My eyes kept shutting...I've never felt soooooooo sleepy every before..it was so bizarre...I was writing with my eyes closed and looked so drunk and dazed! LOL! I left after that not wanting to fall asleep somewhere on the road! Hahaha! Surprisingly a whole lot of people gave me gifts..very overwhelming and nice! Made me feel special and warm inside...tho I was too sleepy to react properly to anyone of them...*Sheepish Look*
Back home phuphaji told me about my 'future' - he's damn good at this stuff - and I found some of it very interesting! Not to be shared on public sites ofcourse!! LOL! Got some very nice ecards from Nitin, Adi, Divya and Odell(our College Gopi and my completely whacky fundoo pal!!)...
We went for dinner to Mainland China...yummy food. It totally makes up for the 1 hour commute to the god-forsaken Saki Naka! Got home and crashed....coz I had to get up at 5 am today to work on my presentation on Ngugi wa Thiongo - I still am not prepared...gonna give loads of superficial talk today...lordy help moi!!!
Today is gonna be yet another hectic and loooong day...but from tomorrow I have nothing major to do, so it's gonna be 'dealing with small' things and packing time from Thursday onwards...guess the countdown begins now???
Saturday, September 27, 2003
Its and Bits
So yesterday was like this jinxed day! I went to pick up my visa and had decided to also go to Westside to pick up a pair of jeans since we had this offer - I figured since I love the fit of their jeans I might as well pick one pair up. Anyways I got my visa and was glad and all thinking that finally peace arrives at my doorstep! Then I realise I've forgotten the offer coupon at home...went to Westside anyways coz I'd dragged Amma with me specifically for that purpose. She said to buy the jeans and forget the offer...felt bad I couldn't pick up any tees - they had awesome captions on some. But no point buying tees that I can't carry with me and can't wear for 3 months!
Anyways till then I was still OK...then I scrutinise my visa for minor problems and BOOM-my name was mis-spelt! Anyways I called up on the consulate's emergency number, since they are shut for the weekend and they said that it could be a problem at the airports, so I better come in on Monday and get it rectified....WAHHHHH!!! It's like I'm soooo miserably jinxed! Everytime I breath a sigh of relief, some thing new crops up to mess up my peace of mind!!! Pease Please let this thing settle next week...
Anyways some of my friends thought I must not cancel the rendezvous/party thing on Sunday just because I'm blessed with these ultra busy friends who can't make it...so I'm having a rendezvous tomorrow anyways- tres petit rendezvous I think. Only good thing about having a tiny guest gathering is that I'll have to order less food!! LOL!!
Next I went for Mumbai Matinee today - that's one of the movies I didn't wanna miss. It's sad that the director of this movie and of Jogger's Park died before the release of his two movies...anyways the movie is a bit shoddily made, could have done with better editing but its good TP! Quite funny actually with its whole emphasis on the 'Virgin at 32' bit! But there were 2 moments towards the end of the movie that struck a chord - one when Rahul Bose talks of how music/songs can touch you and suit every mood and situation conceivable and second when Perizaad Zorabia talks of meeting someone and feeling this instant connection and at other times knowing someone all your life and never really 'knowing' the person! That reminded me of my own thoughts on soulmates...hmmm....now I hope I manage to catch Jogger's Park too. I think I'm missing Boom but that's Ok coz that was pure curiosity about what AB is doing in such a film. I'd rather watch Anger Management with Jack Nicholas and Adam Sandler and bhaiyya has managed to download the movie..Hurray!!!
I just got back from this exhibition at Anand Hall-ISCON. It was an exhibition of handicrafts, jewellery, clothes etc from North-East India. DROOL MAAL!! I went to pick up gifts for Pat and Bernard, but as expected we picked up loads of other stuff too. I'm delighted with what I found for Pat and Bernard-really good stuff, and also what I found for myself....since Amma is going back to get some razaais for home I shall go with her and pick up some more jewellery-the silver stuff is to kill for! My weakness - silver jewellery with semi-precious stones set in them!! Now I gotta study - I still haven't started on my presentation and I HAVE to finish it tonight...no time after that...Lordy Lordy I'm screwed...a late Saturday night spent studying..Whoa..am I happening or what? Muhahaha!!
Anyways till then I was still OK...then I scrutinise my visa for minor problems and BOOM-my name was mis-spelt! Anyways I called up on the consulate's emergency number, since they are shut for the weekend and they said that it could be a problem at the airports, so I better come in on Monday and get it rectified....WAHHHHH!!! It's like I'm soooo miserably jinxed! Everytime I breath a sigh of relief, some thing new crops up to mess up my peace of mind!!! Pease Please let this thing settle next week...
Anyways some of my friends thought I must not cancel the rendezvous/party thing on Sunday just because I'm blessed with these ultra busy friends who can't make it...so I'm having a rendezvous tomorrow anyways- tres petit rendezvous I think. Only good thing about having a tiny guest gathering is that I'll have to order less food!! LOL!!
Next I went for Mumbai Matinee today - that's one of the movies I didn't wanna miss. It's sad that the director of this movie and of Jogger's Park died before the release of his two movies...anyways the movie is a bit shoddily made, could have done with better editing but its good TP! Quite funny actually with its whole emphasis on the 'Virgin at 32' bit! But there were 2 moments towards the end of the movie that struck a chord - one when Rahul Bose talks of how music/songs can touch you and suit every mood and situation conceivable and second when Perizaad Zorabia talks of meeting someone and feeling this instant connection and at other times knowing someone all your life and never really 'knowing' the person! That reminded me of my own thoughts on soulmates...hmmm....now I hope I manage to catch Jogger's Park too. I think I'm missing Boom but that's Ok coz that was pure curiosity about what AB is doing in such a film. I'd rather watch Anger Management with Jack Nicholas and Adam Sandler and bhaiyya has managed to download the movie..Hurray!!!
I just got back from this exhibition at Anand Hall-ISCON. It was an exhibition of handicrafts, jewellery, clothes etc from North-East India. DROOL MAAL!! I went to pick up gifts for Pat and Bernard, but as expected we picked up loads of other stuff too. I'm delighted with what I found for Pat and Bernard-really good stuff, and also what I found for myself....since Amma is going back to get some razaais for home I shall go with her and pick up some more jewellery-the silver stuff is to kill for! My weakness - silver jewellery with semi-precious stones set in them!! Now I gotta study - I still haven't started on my presentation and I HAVE to finish it tonight...no time after that...Lordy Lordy I'm screwed...a late Saturday night spent studying..Whoa..am I happening or what? Muhahaha!!
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Visa Application...
God I'm exhausted. I went yesterday to Ms.Dinter's office at Churchgate-she's the DAAD representative in Mumbai. DAAD is the German Academic Exchange Service - they are funding the exchange program. Anyways I had to pick up a letter stating that we are going on a scholarship and that our visa fees should be pardoned. After that we had a double lecture with Dr.Veveina for Barthes and Derrida. Today I went back to Nariman Point for my visa...I was there from 8.30 to 12.30 - came very close to blowing up one guy there. Instead of being helpful, the man was going out of his way to prove everything I said wrong...despite the fact that I had the right info in the first place he made me go and enquire before giving me the visa form, then insisted I've filled the wrong form and when I filled the form he deemed correct said I've made a mistake the first form was correct. I could have strangled the man at that time...but kept my peace coz I dint want my visa rejected or anything. Anyways finally submitted the visa application, now I gotta go back tomm to pick it up! Anyways I ended up missing Dr.Veveina's 11-1 lecture and after that I was in no mood to go just for 1 lec so I just returned home. Besides this way I can get some work done, rest etc. Won't be going to the univ tomm either coz the pick-up time for the visa is between 1 and 1.30 pm...sigh! Well no problems, my attendance is safe and tomm aint such an imp day in terms of lectures being taken. And once tomm's work is outta the way I'm done with all my preparation for the trip. Tickets, Visa, shopping - all done. Only packing left..that can't be done so soon! LOL!
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
God's In His Heaven And All's Right With The World...
Phew...Things are finally working out! My passport came yesterday morning! FINALLY! Yippee...I guess? I took it normally, (LOL!) as there are more things to worry about, work out etc etc. Excitement just slows you down, doesn't it? Besides I think I've forgotten to get that excited...I don't how to do that anymore...sensible lil moi!
Anyways so today I'll get my tickets confirmed...(it still rankles that I can't go to Muscat, but it couldn't be helped.) I also applied for the 'No Objection' Certificate the Dept has to give us so we can 'bunk' for so many days!! Haha! Ofcourse that man, Bhongle, was highly annoying and tried to act his usual superior self, but I just refused to give him any 'bhav'! Seriously this is the last time I enter his office...*Touchwood*
Then I get home and besides 2-3 other very nice mails that left me feeling warm inside, was this very cute and helpful mail from Hardo. He's the guy helping out with the accommodation and who will come to the airport to pick us up AND who has kindly offered to let me use his internet access in the university so I can stay connected!! Yes, I'm being VERY nice to him...:) Anyways the flat had seemed exorbitantly expensive earlier, so I'd shot off questions about expenses...the guy has patiently replied to each question and given more info too that made me feel like the whole trip is gonna be a cake walk. He seems like a guy who has an amazing sense of humour and likes to flirt too! Fun guy...he has offered to help out (which he really needn't do) and show me around...cool na? I have a ready-made friend in Magdeburg!! :)
Ofcourse now I hope things get a bit routine coz I've not settled down for days...have reading that's pending coz I'm so tired each night mentally that I can't read more than 20-30 pages. No Studying done in over 2 weeks now...*Guilt Pangs*
Next week will fly past - there's my birthday treat on Sunday followed by my birthday on Monday, followed by my presentation on Tues, then a last visit to Appu's place to spend the night with her, and then packing....before you know it 5th October will be here and I'll leave that night.
Apprehensive, nervous, tense? The first definitely - bout things that will change while I'm in Germany. But not tense or nervous anymore. That has faded away now that things are falling into place...hope everything continues to go smoothly for the next 2 weeks and ofcourse while I'm there in Germany...Pray for moi!!!
Anyways so today I'll get my tickets confirmed...(it still rankles that I can't go to Muscat, but it couldn't be helped.) I also applied for the 'No Objection' Certificate the Dept has to give us so we can 'bunk' for so many days!! Haha! Ofcourse that man, Bhongle, was highly annoying and tried to act his usual superior self, but I just refused to give him any 'bhav'! Seriously this is the last time I enter his office...*Touchwood*
Then I get home and besides 2-3 other very nice mails that left me feeling warm inside, was this very cute and helpful mail from Hardo. He's the guy helping out with the accommodation and who will come to the airport to pick us up AND who has kindly offered to let me use his internet access in the university so I can stay connected!! Yes, I'm being VERY nice to him...:) Anyways the flat had seemed exorbitantly expensive earlier, so I'd shot off questions about expenses...the guy has patiently replied to each question and given more info too that made me feel like the whole trip is gonna be a cake walk. He seems like a guy who has an amazing sense of humour and likes to flirt too! Fun guy...he has offered to help out (which he really needn't do) and show me around...cool na? I have a ready-made friend in Magdeburg!! :)
Ofcourse now I hope things get a bit routine coz I've not settled down for days...have reading that's pending coz I'm so tired each night mentally that I can't read more than 20-30 pages. No Studying done in over 2 weeks now...*Guilt Pangs*
Next week will fly past - there's my birthday treat on Sunday followed by my birthday on Monday, followed by my presentation on Tues, then a last visit to Appu's place to spend the night with her, and then packing....before you know it 5th October will be here and I'll leave that night.
Apprehensive, nervous, tense? The first definitely - bout things that will change while I'm in Germany. But not tense or nervous anymore. That has faded away now that things are falling into place...hope everything continues to go smoothly for the next 2 weeks and ofcourse while I'm there in Germany...Pray for moi!!!
Sunday, September 21, 2003
I Have Only One Nerve And You Are Getting On It...
Haha! The headline says it all doesn't it? Am grumpy, morose, cranky, irritable, fuming, stewing slowly inside, a volcano waiting to erupt...defi not good company today. Wanted to do so much today, but I didn't get out the right side of bed. Just found out that my passport has been dispatched on the 19th which means I should get it within the next couple of days...I should be happy and relieved that that tension is finally over. But I'm unaffected - right now very angry with people. Defi not one of my people days...today I really long to set out by myself and be left alone to do as I wish. Sad part is that I won't be allowed to do any such thing...the questions that will follow will just kindle me further, so I'm gonna be all feminine and pamper myself with some packs, lotions and long hot refreshing bath with some nice scented bath salts, and then light some incense sticks, switch on that fountain delicately scented with patchouli and drown myself in one of the 4 books I've collected for myself this weekend, or study. Just try and fade into the wall work and hope no one expects me to do anything for them, or be smiley...coz I might just end up scratching someone's face then...need an outlet for this turbulence inside...it needs to die a quick death.
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Ramblings Of Someone Who Cherishes Walking and Books... :)
Was just talking to Amma about my day...I had gone to town(obviously-today is a Saturday, where else would I be?) and I was just telling her how much I enjoy walking around Churchgate/Colaba. I've grown to enjoy the walk down to BCL, Institute of Science, Oxford, Colaba - most places around Churchgate. Plus I no longer find the train journey from Andheri-Churchgate annoying/tiring/frustrating as most people do. Sure its hot when its crowded, sometimes I have to stand upto Dadar - but I just never thought twice about doing it. Now even with the walking around in the sun and the crowded trains I don't really get the exhausted that I need to collapse when I get home! I got thinking bout this coz we were talking about someone who is a Mumbai-ite like me but abso ignorant of the Mumbai way of living. It just surprises me totally - sure one reaches a point in life when you prefer traveling by cabs etc, specially if you can afford it. But to only travel that way, even when you were younger, in college etc...just appalls me. That's like going for a trek and asking where the cars are!! I for one can't imagine not doing this, and all that talk of exhaustion gets no sympathy from me, for reasons obvious enough...
Anyways I spent a wonderful hour or so at Oxford today. Browsed through the collection, itching to pick up alteast a dozen titles, but settled for just two - Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw (this play was adapted for screen as the popular "My Fair Lady"). Conrad's work is a very important work in all postcolonial studies, talking about Africa as it does, as the 'dark' continent, and ofcourse Conrad's anti-imperialist stance which by no means can be taken as anti-racist, for he was very racist. I'm looking forward to finally reading it, specially since we've referred to it so often in the past few weeks of studying postcolonial theories. Shaw, I picked up because of sheer curiosity and interest. Shaw is one of the most witty English dramatists whose plays were not merely for entertainment, but aimed at making its audience think about contemporary issues of importance.
Shall get to both books ASAP!!!
Anyways I spent a wonderful hour or so at Oxford today. Browsed through the collection, itching to pick up alteast a dozen titles, but settled for just two - Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw (this play was adapted for screen as the popular "My Fair Lady"). Conrad's work is a very important work in all postcolonial studies, talking about Africa as it does, as the 'dark' continent, and ofcourse Conrad's anti-imperialist stance which by no means can be taken as anti-racist, for he was very racist. I'm looking forward to finally reading it, specially since we've referred to it so often in the past few weeks of studying postcolonial theories. Shaw, I picked up because of sheer curiosity and interest. Shaw is one of the most witty English dramatists whose plays were not merely for entertainment, but aimed at making its audience think about contemporary issues of importance.
Shall get to both books ASAP!!!
Friday, September 19, 2003
Soulmates?
Is it possible to meet someone you connect with instantly, on this deep sublime level that most others don't even know exists within you? You can walk along the paths of life, meet different people, befriend some, accepting their differences and learning to live with them. It's a nice life, but a tad bland, don't you think so? To find someone with whom you can share your deepest thoughts and dreams and fears without any hesitation is a fortune few are blessed with. And if that person is someone who thinks, likes, enjoys and appreciates similar things, has similar values and ideals - nothing coud beat that!
I'm defining a soulmate, I know. And few get a true soulmate in the true essence of the word. Most people settle for less - they have to. I don't want to. Up until recently I thought I would have to, for I've never met anyone who came even close to my idea of a soulmate. I have friends who I'm close to, thank god for them, but I want more than that...so much more!
I'm defining a soulmate, I know. And few get a true soulmate in the true essence of the word. Most people settle for less - they have to. I don't want to. Up until recently I thought I would have to, for I've never met anyone who came even close to my idea of a soulmate. I have friends who I'm close to, thank god for them, but I want more than that...so much more!
I'm Back...
Wow I've not blogged in dayssssssss....so much to update on!
Well I had a wonderful time dealing with red-tape this week...I'm being highly sarcastic here, so you thick-skinned people please don't read this as my true feelings on the subject...
So papa returned from Germany on Turesday night and we thought we must spend a day alone...just father and daughter-so sweet na? So the very next day, with papa still getting over jet-lag and exhaustion that any person over 60 would feel after an overseas working trip, we set off for Crawford market. Wonderful place...the police quarters, the head office of the Mumbai police...spick and span and such warm humans they all are! After knocking on several doors we find out that my papers left the CID office on the 6th september. So we went to the passport office only to be informed that its past 12.30 so please return the next day! So yesterday we set off bright and early for the Passport Office, voila..it seems that my passport was made on the 15th, now I must sit tight while the clerk decides to dispatch it at his convenience....this after 2 queues, 2 clerks, 1 letter, 1 form and 1 "saab"!!!
Red Tape Zindabad!! Nothing like it man...it rules...
Thats on that front...otherwise I'm feeling like the whole world is coming down on me. Things have been frenzied and crazy for 10 days now...running around outside home, attending lectures, going to study at the library, a forthcoming presentation on Ngugi wa Thiongo's 'Decolonising the Mind' on the 30th, a rendezvous to organise on the 28th,friends to meet and worry about....CRAZY!! Kunaal was here earlier this week - we went out for dinner, but were both pensive and hardly talked. Couldn't spend much time together coz he was here on work...sad coz now I'll meet him only on my return...will miss him like nuts....my kunu baba!
Oh I've not mentioned how I'd been had na? So it turns out that Amit never left...or rather he did, only for Nagpur, not New York! God I was so annoyed with him for pulling that one...its one of worst yet...he's here till 7th October - he's actually leaving AFTER me...talk about ironies!
Pray that all this settles down by next week, else the German's will receive a very exhausted and bed-raggled Geetanjali on the 7th October!!
Well I had a wonderful time dealing with red-tape this week...I'm being highly sarcastic here, so you thick-skinned people please don't read this as my true feelings on the subject...
So papa returned from Germany on Turesday night and we thought we must spend a day alone...just father and daughter-so sweet na? So the very next day, with papa still getting over jet-lag and exhaustion that any person over 60 would feel after an overseas working trip, we set off for Crawford market. Wonderful place...the police quarters, the head office of the Mumbai police...spick and span and such warm humans they all are! After knocking on several doors we find out that my papers left the CID office on the 6th september. So we went to the passport office only to be informed that its past 12.30 so please return the next day! So yesterday we set off bright and early for the Passport Office, voila..it seems that my passport was made on the 15th, now I must sit tight while the clerk decides to dispatch it at his convenience....this after 2 queues, 2 clerks, 1 letter, 1 form and 1 "saab"!!!
Red Tape Zindabad!! Nothing like it man...it rules...
Thats on that front...otherwise I'm feeling like the whole world is coming down on me. Things have been frenzied and crazy for 10 days now...running around outside home, attending lectures, going to study at the library, a forthcoming presentation on Ngugi wa Thiongo's 'Decolonising the Mind' on the 30th, a rendezvous to organise on the 28th,friends to meet and worry about....CRAZY!! Kunaal was here earlier this week - we went out for dinner, but were both pensive and hardly talked. Couldn't spend much time together coz he was here on work...sad coz now I'll meet him only on my return...will miss him like nuts....my kunu baba!
Oh I've not mentioned how I'd been had na? So it turns out that Amit never left...or rather he did, only for Nagpur, not New York! God I was so annoyed with him for pulling that one...its one of worst yet...he's here till 7th October - he's actually leaving AFTER me...talk about ironies!
Pray that all this settles down by next week, else the German's will receive a very exhausted and bed-raggled Geetanjali on the 7th October!!
Monday, September 15, 2003
Monday Blues?
Damn this whole thing! What should have been an exciting thing seems to be just a headache now. Sure I knew I'd have to work doubly hard for MA and Alliance Francaise on my return, as well as before leaving. I was OK with that. What I wasn't OK with was this confusion. My passport still hasnt come yet..isnt that brilliant? Way to go babe...you're set to conquer the world. Ha!!!
As if this wasn't enough, there's a big confusion about tickets. I've finally sorted it out a bit and think I'm going by Alitalia, but knowing I can't visit Mansi has taken all and any excitement and eagerness out of the trip. I was supposed to go visit Mansi in Muscat on my return journey, but we ended up coming to face to face with some bizarre rule that female tourists can't enter Oman without a male escort. I waited for a few days to find out about it and anyways today I finally gave up and got my Gulf Air tickets cancelled. Only to get a mail from her asking me to hang on for a few more days. I'm so tired of this whole mess, I just wanna stay here now.
I'm so fed-up of everything. My life used to be simple at one time..what went wrong? I mean right now just everything in my life seems complicated - social life, personal life, studies, this exchange program...I could just curl up into a foetal position and give up on everything. I'm tired. Its been over a year and things just won't settle down. If I get one thing right something else goes wrong. If this is what it means to grow up and hope to have dreams fulfilled..I want a simple, staid and boring adult life.
As if this wasn't enough, there's a big confusion about tickets. I've finally sorted it out a bit and think I'm going by Alitalia, but knowing I can't visit Mansi has taken all and any excitement and eagerness out of the trip. I was supposed to go visit Mansi in Muscat on my return journey, but we ended up coming to face to face with some bizarre rule that female tourists can't enter Oman without a male escort. I waited for a few days to find out about it and anyways today I finally gave up and got my Gulf Air tickets cancelled. Only to get a mail from her asking me to hang on for a few more days. I'm so tired of this whole mess, I just wanna stay here now.
I'm so fed-up of everything. My life used to be simple at one time..what went wrong? I mean right now just everything in my life seems complicated - social life, personal life, studies, this exchange program...I could just curl up into a foetal position and give up on everything. I'm tired. Its been over a year and things just won't settle down. If I get one thing right something else goes wrong. If this is what it means to grow up and hope to have dreams fulfilled..I want a simple, staid and boring adult life.
Saturday, September 13, 2003
Time To Spit Out Thoughts....
It's been a crazy wierd week. Full of energy, bustling activity, with not a moment to spare for any musings or pondering which I'm prone to. Quite a lot happened this week - mostly positive, very little negative. And that little negative was not directly concerned with me, so it's actually been a marvellous week. Some fundamental things got cleared out, without much thought or anguish, and I'm feeling lighter and better than I have in months now. Right from deep inside. I'm relishing this feeling of good inside me for now and hope it lasts and leads to better things in the future.
Today I was supposed to go to BCL and study. Also planned to go to Oxford Bookstore to pick up some books I need, browse and chill out at the 'cha-bar'. But I'm feeling lazy and well, somehow not in the mood to travel all the way to the other end of the city. Next week is quite light so I think I'll go mid-week for a change, after lectures or something. Guess I'll make the most of my day at home and do some studying at home itself.
Kunaal is coming tomorrow. I'd promised him that we'd have a petit rendezvous when he comes down. This would be the last one we'd have till I return. So anyways I made plans and decided who all I can call..till the problems started cropping up. So now it seems half the people I invited can't make it! So its gonna be a tres petit rendezvous! LOL! Troubled me initally then I decided not to let it ruin my general 'joie de vivre' state of being! Que sera sera...I am looking forward to spending time with him - one of my three guardian angels! Haha!! :)
Am reading Suniti Namjoshi's 'Feminist Fables, Saint Suniti and the Dragon'. It's a minor feminist classic in which she has reworked ancient myths, legends and fairy tales from the West and the East giving them a feminist slant, making the reader re-think and question traditional, accepted roles of the woman in society and culture. Certain sections caught my attention and I couldn't resist posting them on the Literary Mosaic...
Feminist Fables
They are worth reading, even if you are not a feminist, or for that matter even if you a male-chauvinist...you will find them incredibly witty, elegantly written and amusing!
I've never talked music on the blog before...bizarre considering the importance of music in my life. I recently picked up a CD titled 'Voyage II' - world music. Here are some favourites from the collection:
1. Enya- Only Time (Theme from'Sweet November')
2. Moby- Porcelain (Theme from 'The Beach')
3. Sarah Brightman- Eden
4. Enigma- Return to Innocence (a very old favourite of mine!)
5.Karunesh- Punjab (Amazing haunting melody!)
6. Vangelis- Chariots of Fire (Theme from 'Chariots of Fire' - who hasn't heard this one?)
7. Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan- Silence
Enough for now...there are so many thoughts raging through my head right now I'm getting confused with what to give priority. Time for a long refreshing bath, a pampering session perhaps...adios for now..shall be back later!
Today I was supposed to go to BCL and study. Also planned to go to Oxford Bookstore to pick up some books I need, browse and chill out at the 'cha-bar'. But I'm feeling lazy and well, somehow not in the mood to travel all the way to the other end of the city. Next week is quite light so I think I'll go mid-week for a change, after lectures or something. Guess I'll make the most of my day at home and do some studying at home itself.
Kunaal is coming tomorrow. I'd promised him that we'd have a petit rendezvous when he comes down. This would be the last one we'd have till I return. So anyways I made plans and decided who all I can call..till the problems started cropping up. So now it seems half the people I invited can't make it! So its gonna be a tres petit rendezvous! LOL! Troubled me initally then I decided not to let it ruin my general 'joie de vivre' state of being! Que sera sera...I am looking forward to spending time with him - one of my three guardian angels! Haha!! :)
Am reading Suniti Namjoshi's 'Feminist Fables, Saint Suniti and the Dragon'. It's a minor feminist classic in which she has reworked ancient myths, legends and fairy tales from the West and the East giving them a feminist slant, making the reader re-think and question traditional, accepted roles of the woman in society and culture. Certain sections caught my attention and I couldn't resist posting them on the Literary Mosaic...
They are worth reading, even if you are not a feminist, or for that matter even if you a male-chauvinist...you will find them incredibly witty, elegantly written and amusing!
I've never talked music on the blog before...bizarre considering the importance of music in my life. I recently picked up a CD titled 'Voyage II' - world music. Here are some favourites from the collection:
1. Enya- Only Time (Theme from'Sweet November')
2. Moby- Porcelain (Theme from 'The Beach')
3. Sarah Brightman- Eden
4. Enigma- Return to Innocence (a very old favourite of mine!)
5.Karunesh- Punjab (Amazing haunting melody!)
6. Vangelis- Chariots of Fire (Theme from 'Chariots of Fire' - who hasn't heard this one?)
7. Delerium feat. Sarah McLachlan- Silence
Enough for now...there are so many thoughts raging through my head right now I'm getting confused with what to give priority. Time for a long refreshing bath, a pampering session perhaps...adios for now..shall be back later!
Friday, September 12, 2003
Dreams...
Penned this last night..don't know why, what made me write it...it came to me and I figured let's pen it down and see how it looks on paper...
"Dreams. Elusive fragments of 'a-reality.'
Real, yet not.
Illusions you want to delude yourself into believing.
Clouds flitting in your conscious, unearthed from your unconscious.
Manifestations of unspoken desires.
Will they ever be 'real'? "
What think?
"Dreams. Elusive fragments of 'a-reality.'
Real, yet not.
Illusions you want to delude yourself into believing.
Clouds flitting in your conscious, unearthed from your unconscious.
Manifestations of unspoken desires.
Will they ever be 'real'? "
What think?
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Mantras, Seminars and Romance!
Phew...yesterday was the second and last day of the seminar. It should have been two consecutive days, but Tuesday was the last day of Ganpati festival, so the State had announced a holiday for visarjan. I've already blogged about my objections to that...so I won't dwell on that again...
But since we are on the topic of religion, someone recently reminded me of the soothing and healing power of shlokas being recited. It may sound corny but mantras/shlokas being sung in a soft, rhythmic manner can truly make you feel good from inside. I guess it's the same thing when people feel good inside a temple. I seem to lack that quality - I only admire the architecture and idols from an aesthetic point-of-view and completely miss out the feeling of humility one generally feels in front of the idol. But chant the gayatri mantra around me or make me sit for a havan...I feel good inside out!
Hmm..back to the seminar. The second day was GOOD! We started off with Dr.Bharucha, who needless to say was excellent. She dealt with Rohinton Mistry an his 'Repossessing of the Master's Tongue.' Dr.Lukhmani did a stylistic analysis of Hiromi Goto's poem 'The Body Politic' - that was very interesting. It led to a huge discussion on the whole issue of the Self-Other dichotomy and we came up with very interesting points. The poet has experimented with the typography, using the paper as a canvas to draw her ideas...a highly interesting poem to read if you can lay your hands on it...here's an extract:
"I can never unzip my skin
and step into another.
I am happy with my colour until someone points
out it clashes with my costume.
I hold my culture in my hands and form it on my own,
so that no one else can shape the way
it lies upon my body."
The next session by Ms. Kumudavalii Vasudevan...I don't know what she spoke about. It was highly boring!!!
The post-lunch sessions were excellent . All three of them. Ms. Anju Makhija's perspective on children's literature in Canada was followed by Dr. Mala Pandurang's analysis of the metaphor of 'cultural baggage' in M.J.Vassanji's novels. The last paper was by Dr. Manju Sampat who dealt with Bharati Mukherjee's writing.
Was thinking yesterday on my way home from Andheri station - there's so much I still have to read and learn, it makes me feel really ignorant about the world. Hearing the professors and speakers interact, discuss and illustrate their points by quoting critics, extracts from poems and books...made me feel like I don't know anything!! I seriously must read more. I definitely don't read enough and hardly know anything! I truly have a long way to go before I get anywhere....
Then I overheard this girl behind me discussing romantic gestures...and I was struck by the difference between popular notions and my own notion of what's romantic. The girl was gushing about red roses and sunsets and soft mushy numbers....and I'm thinking...ye gods!! I'd rather get a bouquet of wild flowers - since that's too idyllic, I'll settle for carnations, tulips, lilies, orchids...anything but roses! They are so boring! As for sunsets...I always thought sunrises were more beautiful...and isn't a sunrise more symbolic of a happy future than a sunset? That by no means says that sunsets aren't gorgeous...but well...just a thought...
But since we are on the topic of religion, someone recently reminded me of the soothing and healing power of shlokas being recited. It may sound corny but mantras/shlokas being sung in a soft, rhythmic manner can truly make you feel good from inside. I guess it's the same thing when people feel good inside a temple. I seem to lack that quality - I only admire the architecture and idols from an aesthetic point-of-view and completely miss out the feeling of humility one generally feels in front of the idol. But chant the gayatri mantra around me or make me sit for a havan...I feel good inside out!
Hmm..back to the seminar. The second day was GOOD! We started off with Dr.Bharucha, who needless to say was excellent. She dealt with Rohinton Mistry an his 'Repossessing of the Master's Tongue.' Dr.Lukhmani did a stylistic analysis of Hiromi Goto's poem 'The Body Politic' - that was very interesting. It led to a huge discussion on the whole issue of the Self-Other dichotomy and we came up with very interesting points. The poet has experimented with the typography, using the paper as a canvas to draw her ideas...a highly interesting poem to read if you can lay your hands on it...here's an extract:
"I can never unzip my skin
and step into another.
I am happy with my colour until someone points
out it clashes with my costume.
I hold my culture in my hands and form it on my own,
so that no one else can shape the way
it lies upon my body."
The next session by Ms. Kumudavalii Vasudevan...I don't know what she spoke about. It was highly boring!!!
The post-lunch sessions were excellent . All three of them. Ms. Anju Makhija's perspective on children's literature in Canada was followed by Dr. Mala Pandurang's analysis of the metaphor of 'cultural baggage' in M.J.Vassanji's novels. The last paper was by Dr. Manju Sampat who dealt with Bharati Mukherjee's writing.
Was thinking yesterday on my way home from Andheri station - there's so much I still have to read and learn, it makes me feel really ignorant about the world. Hearing the professors and speakers interact, discuss and illustrate their points by quoting critics, extracts from poems and books...made me feel like I don't know anything!! I seriously must read more. I definitely don't read enough and hardly know anything! I truly have a long way to go before I get anywhere....
Then I overheard this girl behind me discussing romantic gestures...and I was struck by the difference between popular notions and my own notion of what's romantic. The girl was gushing about red roses and sunsets and soft mushy numbers....and I'm thinking...ye gods!! I'd rather get a bouquet of wild flowers - since that's too idyllic, I'll settle for carnations, tulips, lilies, orchids...anything but roses! They are so boring! As for sunsets...I always thought sunrises were more beautiful...and isn't a sunrise more symbolic of a happy future than a sunset? That by no means says that sunsets aren't gorgeous...but well...just a thought...
Monday, September 08, 2003
Just Like That...
7th, Sunday...
Did the first bit of shopping after drawing up a list (I have to be organised in everything I do!) of the stuff I need for my trip. I'm getting some stuff from Shubhra didi and some from Appu so I don't need to buy too many woollens and stuff I will NEVER need in Mumbai. But I did need shoes (the sensible variety, not the types I normally favour!), and an overcoat and thermals. Picked up a pair of shoes suitable for walking on icy surfaces, just in case it snows (defi will in the Black Forest mountains and I fully intend to visit that region!), and a black overcoat. Awesome..I felt like a terrorist in it...I know I will be one of the crowd wearing the thing in Germany...but it felt wierd to try it on and see myself in the mirror!! Also bought a couple of tees and shirts ....not cap sleeves/sleeveless like I wear here, but full sleeves...more suitable!
In the evening we went over to Shashank and Julie's for dinner (they are Bhabhi's bro and bhabhi)- that was a duty evening-out!! No further comments...
8th Monday...
Today is Mansi's birthday. Last year this time I was with her, at her farewell party. This is the first year since I've known her that she ain't here for her birthday..feels darn odd not baking a cake for her, when I'm dying to. Might just bake one and eat it myself...she will hate me for doing that...but what the hell...I'll tell her when I call her up later tonight, just to make her screech in irritation! Muhahaha - cheap thrills. I miss the babe...
Today was also the first day of the Seminar on "Re-membering the Master's Tongue -Politics of Language in Contemporary Canadian Culture." The Canadian Consul General to India launched Dr Bharucha's and Dr.Veveina's book and then the 6 papers of the day were read out.
I wish there was some way of knowing before-hand which people will be interesting - of the 6 papers read, 3 were utterly drab.
An extremely interesting analysis of Eden Robinson's short story "Queen of the North" by Dr.anjali Bhelande was followed by 2 highly boring and dead presentations : Ms. Vibha Vasi's study of the play "The Rez Sisters" and Dr.Conde's study of Alice Munrow's "Runaway." The one in the post lunch session was really mind-numbing and quite successfully put us to sleep. As a result the next paper, though interesting didn't register. Ms. Kamala Gopalan's analysis of Lesbian Writer's Engagement with Language was interesting but well....
The last 2 were really awesome. Dr.Sunanda Pal spoke about the dynamics of belonging in Claire Harris' "Drawing Down a Daughter " - it's a collection of poems. And ofcourse Dr. V - she is the best! Her study of M. Nourbese Philip's poetry was mindblowing!!! I wish however it was scheduled for earlier in the day when my grey cells were alive and kicking, not seduced into a semi-comatose state!
Looking forward to the papers on Wednesday - Dr Bharucha is speaking first, then a load of others who I hope do not sing any lullaby! (Bitchy, ain't I?)
Did the first bit of shopping after drawing up a list (I have to be organised in everything I do!) of the stuff I need for my trip. I'm getting some stuff from Shubhra didi and some from Appu so I don't need to buy too many woollens and stuff I will NEVER need in Mumbai. But I did need shoes (the sensible variety, not the types I normally favour!), and an overcoat and thermals. Picked up a pair of shoes suitable for walking on icy surfaces, just in case it snows (defi will in the Black Forest mountains and I fully intend to visit that region!), and a black overcoat. Awesome..I felt like a terrorist in it...I know I will be one of the crowd wearing the thing in Germany...but it felt wierd to try it on and see myself in the mirror!! Also bought a couple of tees and shirts ....not cap sleeves/sleeveless like I wear here, but full sleeves...more suitable!
In the evening we went over to Shashank and Julie's for dinner (they are Bhabhi's bro and bhabhi)- that was a duty evening-out!! No further comments...
8th Monday...
Today is Mansi's birthday. Last year this time I was with her, at her farewell party. This is the first year since I've known her that she ain't here for her birthday..feels darn odd not baking a cake for her, when I'm dying to. Might just bake one and eat it myself...she will hate me for doing that...but what the hell...I'll tell her when I call her up later tonight, just to make her screech in irritation! Muhahaha - cheap thrills. I miss the babe...
Today was also the first day of the Seminar on "Re-membering the Master's Tongue -Politics of Language in Contemporary Canadian Culture." The Canadian Consul General to India launched Dr Bharucha's and Dr.Veveina's book and then the 6 papers of the day were read out.
I wish there was some way of knowing before-hand which people will be interesting - of the 6 papers read, 3 were utterly drab.
An extremely interesting analysis of Eden Robinson's short story "Queen of the North" by Dr.anjali Bhelande was followed by 2 highly boring and dead presentations : Ms. Vibha Vasi's study of the play "The Rez Sisters" and Dr.Conde's study of Alice Munrow's "Runaway." The one in the post lunch session was really mind-numbing and quite successfully put us to sleep. As a result the next paper, though interesting didn't register. Ms. Kamala Gopalan's analysis of Lesbian Writer's Engagement with Language was interesting but well....
The last 2 were really awesome. Dr.Sunanda Pal spoke about the dynamics of belonging in Claire Harris' "Drawing Down a Daughter " - it's a collection of poems. And ofcourse Dr. V - she is the best! Her study of M. Nourbese Philip's poetry was mindblowing!!! I wish however it was scheduled for earlier in the day when my grey cells were alive and kicking, not seduced into a semi-comatose state!
Looking forward to the papers on Wednesday - Dr Bharucha is speaking first, then a load of others who I hope do not sing any lullaby! (Bitchy, ain't I?)
Saturday, September 06, 2003
Musings...
Yesterday was yet another ' Ganpati Visarjan' day. Every time, I have my objections to this whole procedure. The festival was started as a way of uniting people during the British Raj, by Lokmanya Tilak. It was meant to serve the purpose of reminding people that we are one as a nation and that we should put aside petty differences in worship of one God. True, the spirit of harmony is present even today - we have all heard of the legendary Lal Bagh Ganpati which stops in front of a mosque on it's way to the sea, but haven't things gotten way out of hand now?
The simple clay idols (which when immersed in the sea didn't pollute it or harm the sea-life, other than perhaps raising the water level eventually, which isn't really good for the ecology) have been replaced by monstrosities made out of Plaster of Paris, and Oil Paints. In order to gain their little spot in the limelight, people also resort to tactics like making Ganpatis out of Chocolate (last year) or Dal (this year)!! I wonder what they do with that - immerse the idol and waste 'food' or give it street children to eat - which would be blasphemous! But then isn't the idea of making an idol out of chocolate, itself blasphemous? Not to mention highly ridiculous? And then there's this competition for the 'richest' Ganpati -read gaudiest display of wealth, invested wrongly - where is this wealth when we talk of the country's progress? Does the Lord truly want all this? Does He need such an obvious display as proof of our belief in Him?
Then comes the noise. I know people feel festivals are times to celebrate with great pomp and cheer. But there are people who like to sleep at a sensible hour and not be woken up by the clashing of the 'lezhim' and the beating of the 'dholak' at midnight. What about the people who live by the sea..I live close to it so I have an idea what the ones right by the sea have to go through - the noise keeps them up through the night.
The immersion, is yet another story! Most do not know this, but at Versova the bigger idols are placed on a plank balanced between two boats, then the boats go out into the sea, find an empty spot, and Lord Ganesha is kicked into the sea! Am I the only one seeing this as an insult? The same idol is thrown back by the sea in bits and pieces for days later and ends up in the garbage truck of the BMC. And ofcourse the beach is littered with the remains, flowers, plastic, thermocol and what-not for months.
What are we achieving by all this? Can't we worship God in a way that would truly be holy in every sense of the term? In a way that would not harm other people, organisms and the environment? Some how in view of all this the feelings of awe and humility I should experience when in front of an idol, just vanish. C'est triste!
The simple clay idols (which when immersed in the sea didn't pollute it or harm the sea-life, other than perhaps raising the water level eventually, which isn't really good for the ecology) have been replaced by monstrosities made out of Plaster of Paris, and Oil Paints. In order to gain their little spot in the limelight, people also resort to tactics like making Ganpatis out of Chocolate (last year) or Dal (this year)!! I wonder what they do with that - immerse the idol and waste 'food' or give it street children to eat - which would be blasphemous! But then isn't the idea of making an idol out of chocolate, itself blasphemous? Not to mention highly ridiculous? And then there's this competition for the 'richest' Ganpati -read gaudiest display of wealth, invested wrongly - where is this wealth when we talk of the country's progress? Does the Lord truly want all this? Does He need such an obvious display as proof of our belief in Him?
Then comes the noise. I know people feel festivals are times to celebrate with great pomp and cheer. But there are people who like to sleep at a sensible hour and not be woken up by the clashing of the 'lezhim' and the beating of the 'dholak' at midnight. What about the people who live by the sea..I live close to it so I have an idea what the ones right by the sea have to go through - the noise keeps them up through the night.
The immersion, is yet another story! Most do not know this, but at Versova the bigger idols are placed on a plank balanced between two boats, then the boats go out into the sea, find an empty spot, and Lord Ganesha is kicked into the sea! Am I the only one seeing this as an insult? The same idol is thrown back by the sea in bits and pieces for days later and ends up in the garbage truck of the BMC. And ofcourse the beach is littered with the remains, flowers, plastic, thermocol and what-not for months.
What are we achieving by all this? Can't we worship God in a way that would truly be holy in every sense of the term? In a way that would not harm other people, organisms and the environment? Some how in view of all this the feelings of awe and humility I should experience when in front of an idol, just vanish. C'est triste!
Friday, September 05, 2003
Update?
Ah..I mentioned I had a meeting with Prof Lange, right? Well that went quite well. We had to fill out some forms and discuss the accomodation options. We decided that we'd prefer a flat - the rent once we divide it amongst the three of us comes upto the same as a hotel room would cost. And if we rent a flat, we save on food, coz then we can atleast cook the basic stuff and eat just, like, one meal out? That would help, considering our stipend ain't all that much. As Prof Lange said we are gonna be on a 'shoe-string bidget' specially if we hope to travel. And I definitely do - as much as the cold weather allows! *Brrrr* Apparently it doesn't snow in Magdeburg every year, but it drizzles, and temperatures go as low as Zero Degrees. Ofcourse it will also get dark by late afternoon and since its a small town, streets would be deserted and lonely. That will take some getting used to - here streets are rarely ever deserted before midnight!!
Also met the 2 German students who've come down this year for the exchange. They seem nice enough - they did make a few comments about our dear Dr.Bhongle but it was in German, so well not comprehensible. Sad...would love a feedback on Bhongleji...Muhahaha!
What else? Yeah there's a seminar next week organised by Dr.Veveina, on The Politics of Language. It's an Indo-Canadian venture which will be inaugurated by the Canadian Consul General to India by the launch of the books written by Dr V and Dr.Bharucha repsectively. These two ladies are simply awe-inspiring! Infact we (New Lit and PIES students) gave them a token of our appreciation today, since it was Teacher's Day! Anyways yeah the seminar - its run into some problems because of, well, some very nasty people - I hope that sorts out by Monday.
*Cross my fingers!*
On a last note....before I start my second novel - Sunetra Gupta - Amit left last night. And Madam the Genius (we are referring to me here) confused the dates and as a result didn't get to meet him before he left. Damn!!!! Well, que sera sera...and the process begins again....
*Sigh*
Also met the 2 German students who've come down this year for the exchange. They seem nice enough - they did make a few comments about our dear Dr.Bhongle but it was in German, so well not comprehensible. Sad...would love a feedback on Bhongleji...Muhahaha!
What else? Yeah there's a seminar next week organised by Dr.Veveina, on The Politics of Language. It's an Indo-Canadian venture which will be inaugurated by the Canadian Consul General to India by the launch of the books written by Dr V and Dr.Bharucha repsectively. These two ladies are simply awe-inspiring! Infact we (New Lit and PIES students) gave them a token of our appreciation today, since it was Teacher's Day! Anyways yeah the seminar - its run into some problems because of, well, some very nasty people - I hope that sorts out by Monday.
*Cross my fingers!*
On a last note....before I start my second novel - Sunetra Gupta - Amit left last night. And Madam the Genius (we are referring to me here) confused the dates and as a result didn't get to meet him before he left. Damn!!!! Well, que sera sera...and the process begins again....
*Sigh*
Thursday, September 04, 2003
Literary Tidbits...
I just stumbled upon this stanza from a poem of Dylan Thomas -
"Do not go gentle into that good night
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
It reminded me of a poem we did in class - Prospice by Robert Browning. Written after his wife, Elizabeth B Browning died, he looks forward to death in the poem, but sees it not as succumbing to an inevitable end, rather as a fight against an enemy. A powerful poem. Ofcourse Browning has been a poet I've enjoyed reading ever since College days, so it goes without saying that I would like this one too...
Read The Poems
On to other things - I just finished reading 'Looking For Maya' by Atima Srivastava. No, I didn't pick it up becasue of the common surname, no, she's not a distant relative or anything. I had heard of her last year when we studied Diasporic writers for Contemporary British Literature. Then Preeti happened to mention that she had the book because of this seminar they had for MA (I) students ( personal grouse - why couldn't MA (II) students attend that seminar?)...anyways I took all three books that were dealt with: 'Looking for Maya' by Atima Srivastava, 'Anita and Me' by Meera Syal (I've seen the movie.) and 'Glassblower's Breath' by Sunetra Gupta. I read this one first since I've heard so much about it. It's a book about a young girl's search for her identity. An interesting read - you can finish it at one reading. Here's how the novel starts:
"Sipping an espresso, I stretched out my legs in the sunlight. All around me, people were babbling in different languages, students, tourists. The waiter in his crisp apron carried precarious coffees to the tables set on the pavement. Behind me, I could hear the Italian football on the big screen, inside the café and I felt inexplicably happy. The final examinations were over, the long Summer: yawned before me and I had a feeling that I was going to live and live. "
I'm going to post a review on Literary Mosaic - do browse and if you can pick the book up and read it. It's a recommendation for sure.
Gotta rush now. Got a meeting with Prof Lange at 3 pm today at the Campus - to iron out last formalities of the exchange program. He's in Mumbai only for 2 days before proceeding on to somewhere else for more important work. It's only 10.09 am, but I intend to sit in the Library and get some work done before the meeting...so ciao for now...shall be back...
"Do not go gentle into that good night
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light."
It reminded me of a poem we did in class - Prospice by Robert Browning. Written after his wife, Elizabeth B Browning died, he looks forward to death in the poem, but sees it not as succumbing to an inevitable end, rather as a fight against an enemy. A powerful poem. Ofcourse Browning has been a poet I've enjoyed reading ever since College days, so it goes without saying that I would like this one too...
On to other things - I just finished reading 'Looking For Maya' by Atima Srivastava. No, I didn't pick it up becasue of the common surname, no, she's not a distant relative or anything. I had heard of her last year when we studied Diasporic writers for Contemporary British Literature. Then Preeti happened to mention that she had the book because of this seminar they had for MA (I) students ( personal grouse - why couldn't MA (II) students attend that seminar?)...anyways I took all three books that were dealt with: 'Looking for Maya' by Atima Srivastava, 'Anita and Me' by Meera Syal (I've seen the movie.) and 'Glassblower's Breath' by Sunetra Gupta. I read this one first since I've heard so much about it. It's a book about a young girl's search for her identity. An interesting read - you can finish it at one reading. Here's how the novel starts:
"Sipping an espresso, I stretched out my legs in the sunlight. All around me, people were babbling in different languages, students, tourists. The waiter in his crisp apron carried precarious coffees to the tables set on the pavement. Behind me, I could hear the Italian football on the big screen, inside the café and I felt inexplicably happy. The final examinations were over, the long Summer: yawned before me and I had a feeling that I was going to live and live. "
I'm going to post a review on Literary Mosaic - do browse and if you can pick the book up and read it. It's a recommendation for sure.
Gotta rush now. Got a meeting with Prof Lange at 3 pm today at the Campus - to iron out last formalities of the exchange program. He's in Mumbai only for 2 days before proceeding on to somewhere else for more important work. It's only 10.09 am, but I intend to sit in the Library and get some work done before the meeting...so ciao for now...shall be back...
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
Contemplations And More...
I was clearing out the stuff I had saved on the computer - sorting out junk from what's not - and I stumbled onto this. I wrote it on a particularly low day and well it got me thinking again...
"...and so I sat down one day and howled my heart out. Odd how people call themselves your 'best friend' (I'm gonna screech if I hear that term applied to me once more!), but don't even begin to scratch the surface as far as understanding you is concerned. All they are interested in, is a facade that they have forced upon you, what THEY believe is you, not what you REALLY are. Pull the strings - jerk you around like a puppet. Is that what 'friendship' has come to mean today? A means of getting what you want from the 'other'? A transaction that fulfills your needs in the business of life - but one that requires no research or dedication? I've seen more emotion in a business transaction...if this what it's all about I'd rather be a 'lone warrior'..."
-March 25th, 2003.
I don't think I agree completely with what I've said. Yeah friendship sure seems to be very farcical these days, but being a long warrior? I don't think i'm strong enough for that. I must have been royally pissed off at the person that set me off that day, I can't remember exactly what did set me off, to boldly make such a declaration. Ah well, it's easier said that done. Said that to someone else too, today morning. So easy to preach ain't it? Dole out packets of advice. But so difficult to put even half of that into practice when you are faced with the same situation. I should know...
Today was one of those awful days when little happened and little went well. I started by making a major blunder in the morning, which I wish to erase from my memory sicne I can't turn things around. My back was aching since yesterday evening, and legs felt like jelly. Add to that an allergic attack, which meant I was sneezing my head off this morning. In order to stop that I had to take an anti-allergic, so I couldn't take a pain-killer. Went to the University with the mother of all backaches. Was so dopey, I hardly registered what was happening and even missed roll call in the second lecture. Didn't bother to get myself marked later either. Luckily I have studied a bit today, so the day wasn't a total waste. But there is this overwhelming sense of incompleteness - I keep getting a feeling that something should have happened or that I'm forgetting something. Wonder what?
"...and so I sat down one day and howled my heart out. Odd how people call themselves your 'best friend' (I'm gonna screech if I hear that term applied to me once more!), but don't even begin to scratch the surface as far as understanding you is concerned. All they are interested in, is a facade that they have forced upon you, what THEY believe is you, not what you REALLY are. Pull the strings - jerk you around like a puppet. Is that what 'friendship' has come to mean today? A means of getting what you want from the 'other'? A transaction that fulfills your needs in the business of life - but one that requires no research or dedication? I've seen more emotion in a business transaction...if this what it's all about I'd rather be a 'lone warrior'..."
-March 25th, 2003.
I don't think I agree completely with what I've said. Yeah friendship sure seems to be very farcical these days, but being a long warrior? I don't think i'm strong enough for that. I must have been royally pissed off at the person that set me off that day, I can't remember exactly what did set me off, to boldly make such a declaration. Ah well, it's easier said that done. Said that to someone else too, today morning. So easy to preach ain't it? Dole out packets of advice. But so difficult to put even half of that into practice when you are faced with the same situation. I should know...
Today was one of those awful days when little happened and little went well. I started by making a major blunder in the morning, which I wish to erase from my memory sicne I can't turn things around. My back was aching since yesterday evening, and legs felt like jelly. Add to that an allergic attack, which meant I was sneezing my head off this morning. In order to stop that I had to take an anti-allergic, so I couldn't take a pain-killer. Went to the University with the mother of all backaches. Was so dopey, I hardly registered what was happening and even missed roll call in the second lecture. Didn't bother to get myself marked later either. Luckily I have studied a bit today, so the day wasn't a total waste. But there is this overwhelming sense of incompleteness - I keep getting a feeling that something should have happened or that I'm forgetting something. Wonder what?
Monday, September 01, 2003
Hadtalika ki Teej, Gauri Pooja and Ganesh Chaturthi
Saturday was Hadtalika ki Teej. It's the equivalent of Karvachauth, which is a more popular festival. Basically you fast for the 'lmabi aayu' of your 'pati parmeshwar', hope that you won't be widowed, and that you have his 'saath' for 'saat janam' - from my tone you know what I think of such concepts, and you can guess if I will ever subject myself to it! Anyways, it's a more demanding fast than Karvachauth - in this one you can't eat in the morning or even after the 'chand' comes out. You eat directly the next day, or else there are all these dire consequences to worry about. Anyways the fast is culminated by praying to Lord Shiva and Parvati (Gauri pooja) and reading out the 'katha.' Amma and bhabhi kept the fast and we had the pooja in the evening. Ofcourse I had no part in the whole affair, considering I'm not a 'suhangan' and ofcourse more importantly, my opinions!
I had gone to Cottage Industries with Papa - he's flying to Germany next week and had to pick up corporate gifts, stuff for colleagues and friends. After shopping for all the gifts, we lunched at Mondegar's and made a quick stop at BCL before heading home. I met Appu at the station before proceeding to Bhaiyya's office to get something scanned - came home and Appu got her work done by Bhaiyya. She left and the pooja started so I sat for that. After that I met Amit - twisted his arm to meet him, but I had had a rotten day in terms of my swinging emotions (god do they swing like a crazy pendulum these days!) and I needed to get out of the house. Took a loooooooooooong walk before coming home. Just thinking about it - I'm gonna miss him like crazy when he leaves on Friday. So what else is new? I miss all my friends, and well - I missed him like crazy all of last year till he came! C'est triste!
Sunday- Ganesh Chaturthi. A day that brings good luck to many houses that welcome the Lord into their midst! I had to visit a few houses too. Appu obviously. I've been going there ever since the first time they kept a Ganpati at home. This time I reached nice and early, helped set up everything and was there for the 'sthapna pooja' and 'aarti' - sumptuous meal, leisurely afternoon spent chatting with one of my dearest friends, some work on her reco-s and SOP for her applications for MS in the 'Land of Dreams' - and then I left. Last stop for the day was Mausi's place - chatted with Preeti about life, its complications, love et al!!
Got home by 11 - was so tired! But didn't sleep immediately - Kunu called. I was on the phone till midnight...hehehe! And then chatted with Amma till 1 am. Yeps I slept after that - 4 hours - pretty awesome considering my insomniac phase, eh?
Got to go the university early today....shall continue this later..have more on my mind that I wanna spit out.
I had gone to Cottage Industries with Papa - he's flying to Germany next week and had to pick up corporate gifts, stuff for colleagues and friends. After shopping for all the gifts, we lunched at Mondegar's and made a quick stop at BCL before heading home. I met Appu at the station before proceeding to Bhaiyya's office to get something scanned - came home and Appu got her work done by Bhaiyya. She left and the pooja started so I sat for that. After that I met Amit - twisted his arm to meet him, but I had had a rotten day in terms of my swinging emotions (god do they swing like a crazy pendulum these days!) and I needed to get out of the house. Took a loooooooooooong walk before coming home. Just thinking about it - I'm gonna miss him like crazy when he leaves on Friday. So what else is new? I miss all my friends, and well - I missed him like crazy all of last year till he came! C'est triste!
Sunday- Ganesh Chaturthi. A day that brings good luck to many houses that welcome the Lord into their midst! I had to visit a few houses too. Appu obviously. I've been going there ever since the first time they kept a Ganpati at home. This time I reached nice and early, helped set up everything and was there for the 'sthapna pooja' and 'aarti' - sumptuous meal, leisurely afternoon spent chatting with one of my dearest friends, some work on her reco-s and SOP for her applications for MS in the 'Land of Dreams' - and then I left. Last stop for the day was Mausi's place - chatted with Preeti about life, its complications, love et al!!
Got home by 11 - was so tired! But didn't sleep immediately - Kunu called. I was on the phone till midnight...hehehe! And then chatted with Amma till 1 am. Yeps I slept after that - 4 hours - pretty awesome considering my insomniac phase, eh?
Got to go the university early today....shall continue this later..have more on my mind that I wanna spit out.
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Guten Tag
The invitation letter has finally arrived from Magdeburg University. And what a way it arrived in! Since there was no news from Germany, I had no dates that I could give the girl who is also going on an exchange program from the Dept of German at our university, obviously to Magdeburg. Anyways so she told this to Ms.Dinter - who teaches at the German Dept twice a week. Ms.Dinter (a very nice lady I must say!) emailed Prof Lange, HOD, English Dept, Magdeburg Univ. The next thing I know is that I have received two emails from Prof Lange and our dear HOD Bhongle calls up saying that he has received the invitation letter by fax! Today I went to the univ just to collect my letter - its a faxed version of the letter Prof Lange sent by email to me.
I had replied to Prof Lange and asked him if there is a particular date we should reach by - he suggests that Saima and I reach during the week starting 6th October, since teaching commences on 13th October and stay till the first week of January, so that we can also collect the stipend for January which we can't if we leave by Dec. Hehehe!! The stipend allotted is 400 Eu...damn neat na? I'm beginning to agree with Sandeep jijaji when he says that the Germans are a nice lot!! :)
Well I guess now I shall start preparing in earnest - there's a lot to be taken care of. Study harder so I can get as much reference work finished off as I can before leaving...shopping for warm clothes, thermal wear, jeans, tops (this is the fun part), gifts for Pat, Sudha didi, Mansi (yes Papa said I can stop in Muskat on my return journey and visit her for 2 days or so! Awesome na?)...medical insurance...any material I may need for my stay there...guess its officially time to get excited, eh? And time to pick up a few German phrases too! :)
University of Magdeburg
I had replied to Prof Lange and asked him if there is a particular date we should reach by - he suggests that Saima and I reach during the week starting 6th October, since teaching commences on 13th October and stay till the first week of January, so that we can also collect the stipend for January which we can't if we leave by Dec. Hehehe!! The stipend allotted is 400 Eu...damn neat na? I'm beginning to agree with Sandeep jijaji when he says that the Germans are a nice lot!! :)
Well I guess now I shall start preparing in earnest - there's a lot to be taken care of. Study harder so I can get as much reference work finished off as I can before leaving...shopping for warm clothes, thermal wear, jeans, tops (this is the fun part), gifts for Pat, Sudha didi, Mansi (yes Papa said I can stop in Muskat on my return journey and visit her for 2 days or so! Awesome na?)...medical insurance...any material I may need for my stay there...guess its officially time to get excited, eh? And time to pick up a few German phrases too! :)
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Yippeeeeeeeee!!
*Phew*....
It's done. My presentation on Fanon...I was so nervous, my voice kept threatening to disappear into a squeak, I had to clear my throat umpteen times, my hands were shaking....crazy! But I managed to not only go through with the most ambitious and difficult presentation I've taken on so far, but for a change I didn't just read it, I actually mantained eye contact and explained things without referring to my sheet! And managed to draw a few parallels and contextualise at the moment itself. Dr.Bharucha said it was a good presentation and that she was glad I took the effort to read the entire book even though it was not needed!!
*That's one for me!!!* :):):)
It's done. My presentation on Fanon...I was so nervous, my voice kept threatening to disappear into a squeak, I had to clear my throat umpteen times, my hands were shaking....crazy! But I managed to not only go through with the most ambitious and difficult presentation I've taken on so far, but for a change I didn't just read it, I actually mantained eye contact and explained things without referring to my sheet! And managed to draw a few parallels and contextualise at the moment itself. Dr.Bharucha said it was a good presentation and that she was glad I took the effort to read the entire book even though it was not needed!!
*That's one for me!!!* :):):)
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Volatile City...
It created a lot of panic, but for some reason I was calm. I couldn't, for the life of me, understand why people had to suddenly start calling up relatives who are no where near South Mumbai where all this happened. Or why they had to start saying that roads are unsafe, or increase the number of actual bomb blasts from 2 to 10!! Sure it's serious, but does that warrant wide-spread panic that only makes the job of the law enforcers more difficult? It doesn't do any good for your own BP either! Proceed calmly to your homes and watch the news, instead of getting hyper, spreading rumours and acting like silly sheep!
On a more serious note, this is getting scarier. Makes you stop and wonder where we are all careening to? This is supposed to be a 'safe' city, but how ironic is that, in light of yesterday's events? I could have been strolling towards Gateway of India and that would be it for me, right? And what does this achieve? All I see is mayhem, chaos, loss of lives, property damaged, economic losses...not one thing positive. A friend commented that when something good happens we say its coz of God, what about this, coz it is Him who controls the Universe ultimately. Could He decree this? I don't know since I don't believe its God that makes us do things...we are the makers of our own destiny, and its sad destiny that we are writing for ourselves.
Finally I'm personally hurt. That part of the city holds many a fond memory. It is the pride of Mumbai. The quintessence of the city. To have it defiled in such a gruesome manner, makes me sick. Yes, to have any part of the city defiled in such a way is sick, but the Gateway of India? That's a historic monument that needs to be preserved, cherished, not made a pawn in a game of terrorism/politics.
Birthdays Galore...
Hmmm....Two birthdays last week. As I had said it meant lots of good food! For Bhabhi's birthday, we had gone to Mahesh Lunch Home, since she likes fish and well the place is known for its sea food. Sadly that was one of the days my mood switch flipped suddenly, so I was not in a suitable frame of mind for anything. Pretty volatile actually. So I kept quiet most of the time. Not that it made a difference to the company we had, coz I barely talk around those people anyways, so careful am I to not offend them, shock them or generally scare them! Plus I can't think of stuff to say...so anyways it was a very OK evening. By the time we ate I was famished so I devoured what was on my plate. Was feeling wicked later, so I left a very wikkked comment on their suggestions slip! Muhahaha!
Amma's birthday was a different story. Things went smooth from morning - touchwood - and my mood stayed on an even keel. Merci Bon Dieu! We had like this very 'food' day - garam nashta (as I said last week, Sundays are for 'garam nashta') followed by lunch of chana-paratha-mishti dahi... For dinner we were confused about where to go. Finally settled for Baisakhi, since its close and we've received good reviews but never reached the place. Reached nice and early, and I was wearing one of my 'feel good about myself coz I know I look smashing in this' outfits...the food was heavenly! I don't remember the last time I enjoyed the food at a restaurant THIS much. Everything was simply delicious, and I think I overate. Can you imagine, I only ate chicken? Didn't even touch the subzi we had ordered! LOL!!
Bas....that's it for now. Now the next spate of birthdays come in Sept-Oct, but I shall miss most coz I will be in Germany by then...sigh...
Amma's birthday was a different story. Things went smooth from morning - touchwood - and my mood stayed on an even keel. Merci Bon Dieu! We had like this very 'food' day - garam nashta (as I said last week, Sundays are for 'garam nashta') followed by lunch of chana-paratha-mishti dahi... For dinner we were confused about where to go. Finally settled for Baisakhi, since its close and we've received good reviews but never reached the place. Reached nice and early, and I was wearing one of my 'feel good about myself coz I know I look smashing in this' outfits...the food was heavenly! I don't remember the last time I enjoyed the food at a restaurant THIS much. Everything was simply delicious, and I think I overate. Can you imagine, I only ate chicken? Didn't even touch the subzi we had ordered! LOL!!
Bas....that's it for now. Now the next spate of birthdays come in Sept-Oct, but I shall miss most coz I will be in Germany by then...sigh...
Sunday, August 24, 2003
Saturday Night...
Last night was nice. Tasneem and Aranyak were going to come to meet Schnapps and then we were to go out for dinner to Pop Tates...that changed slightly. They came over to meet Schnapps. After that we went to Aranyak's place. He had invited a bunch of his friends over...
So anyways Tasneem and I talked after ages. Miss those daily bus conversations we'd have on our way home from Alliance Francaise. Later once the others reached, we opened a few beers and a couple of bottles of wine...chips...and settled to watch one of two total TP movies. It was nice...chips moved over for dinner...and I kinda lost count of my refills of wine! Hehehe...but well it doesn't affect me the least bit. So far I've only ever gotten high after alot of drinks..never drunk. Anyways saw yet another movie after dinner...and got home by 1.30 am....to sleep like a kumbhkarani...after several days of poor sleep.
All in all - a fun evening spent in good company followed by a good night's sleep. Today is Amma's birthday. Gonna go out for dinner. But before that I have to finish reading Fanon...so that I can write out my draft for the presentation and do an excellent presentation day after tomm! Wish me luck...
So anyways Tasneem and I talked after ages. Miss those daily bus conversations we'd have on our way home from Alliance Francaise. Later once the others reached, we opened a few beers and a couple of bottles of wine...chips...and settled to watch one of two total TP movies. It was nice...chips moved over for dinner...and I kinda lost count of my refills of wine! Hehehe...but well it doesn't affect me the least bit. So far I've only ever gotten high after alot of drinks..never drunk. Anyways saw yet another movie after dinner...and got home by 1.30 am....to sleep like a kumbhkarani...after several days of poor sleep.
All in all - a fun evening spent in good company followed by a good night's sleep. Today is Amma's birthday. Gonna go out for dinner. But before that I have to finish reading Fanon...so that I can write out my draft for the presentation and do an excellent presentation day after tomm! Wish me luck...
Saturday, August 23, 2003
My Rainy Day Wish List
1. Sip hot coffee and eat hot pakodas/bhajiyas/parathas.
2. Curl up with a good book.
3. Cuddle up and sleep....hours at end!
4. Watch a good movie - preferably with friends.
5. Go for a looooong drive on the Mumbai-Pune expressway.
2. Curl up with a good book.
3. Cuddle up and sleep....hours at end!
4. Watch a good movie - preferably with friends.
5. Go for a looooong drive on the Mumbai-Pune expressway.
An Interesting Blog
A friend asked me to visit his friend's blog. I did, and found it interesting...loved the style of writing..and found the content interesting. Take a Peek
Postcolonialism Et Al...
Its raining today. Pouring. But...my old man ain't snoring.
Actually a perfect morning for 'garam naashta' but I had my usual 'firang naashta' - know this sounds like really sad, considering the whole issue of colonisation, decolonisation, mimic men etc, but I doubt if I can ever give up my morning coffee followed by toast and eggs/tomatoes for parathas!! Parathas for lunch I dig, but breakfast spells toast, coffee eggs, tomatoes, maybe an occassional pancake or sausages. 'Garam naashta' is sunday breakfast! OK - I've got a screwed up logic...and I'm totally an 'angrez ki dum' - which is certified by the fact that I'm doing my Masters in English Lit, read Lit written in Eng, speak in Eng, think in Eng and well..let's just say that I'm one of those hybrid products of the post-colonial world.
Speaking of postcolonialism, we are doing postcolonial theory for our New Lit paper. And it is awesome. Ofcourse that's not to say other theories arent... but I find this extremely engrossing. I never really gave this much thought earlier, but since last year Dr.Bharucha and Dr.Veveina have brought to my attention this entirely new arena of theories and discourse. It's a vast field, and highly challenging. We've been doing the theorists for the past 3 weeks -Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, Frantz Fanon etc. Groovy stuff, if I may say so!! Infact I've volunteered to do a presentation this Tuesday on Frantz Fanon's "Wretched of the Earth" - Fanon was a Martinique born, psychiatrist who practiced in France. An activist in the Algerian war for Independance, he had Marxist leanings. His books are more of case studies, coming out of his 'real' experiences with the Blacks in France and Algeria and the colonial/postcolonial experiences of the colonised Blacks. Much easier to read than the meta-theorist Bhabha, who gave me a headache, and also profoundly moving and with a poetic quality.
Enough said on the subject...
Actually a perfect morning for 'garam naashta' but I had my usual 'firang naashta' - know this sounds like really sad, considering the whole issue of colonisation, decolonisation, mimic men etc, but I doubt if I can ever give up my morning coffee followed by toast and eggs/tomatoes for parathas!! Parathas for lunch I dig, but breakfast spells toast, coffee eggs, tomatoes, maybe an occassional pancake or sausages. 'Garam naashta' is sunday breakfast! OK - I've got a screwed up logic...and I'm totally an 'angrez ki dum' - which is certified by the fact that I'm doing my Masters in English Lit, read Lit written in Eng, speak in Eng, think in Eng and well..let's just say that I'm one of those hybrid products of the post-colonial world.
Speaking of postcolonialism, we are doing postcolonial theory for our New Lit paper. And it is awesome. Ofcourse that's not to say other theories arent... but I find this extremely engrossing. I never really gave this much thought earlier, but since last year Dr.Bharucha and Dr.Veveina have brought to my attention this entirely new arena of theories and discourse. It's a vast field, and highly challenging. We've been doing the theorists for the past 3 weeks -Edward Said, Homi Bhabha, Frantz Fanon etc. Groovy stuff, if I may say so!! Infact I've volunteered to do a presentation this Tuesday on Frantz Fanon's "Wretched of the Earth" - Fanon was a Martinique born, psychiatrist who practiced in France. An activist in the Algerian war for Independance, he had Marxist leanings. His books are more of case studies, coming out of his 'real' experiences with the Blacks in France and Algeria and the colonial/postcolonial experiences of the colonised Blacks. Much easier to read than the meta-theorist Bhabha, who gave me a headache, and also profoundly moving and with a poetic quality.
Enough said on the subject...
Friday, August 22, 2003
Interesting...
*Isn't life a terrible thing, thank God? * - Dylan Thomas
* I always take life with a grain of salt, ... plus a slice of lemon ... and a shot of tequila * - Chrissy
*Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself. * - Roseanne
* I always take life with a grain of salt, ... plus a slice of lemon ... and a shot of tequila * - Chrissy
*Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself. * - Roseanne
Pensive...
Gah never been so bored...actually I have. Just that since yesterday the boredom is weighing down on me. It makes me think....think about decisions I've taken in my life. Obviously since I'm perfectly content with what I'm doing (that means academic decisons) I don't think about that. That aspect of my life is quite nice - runs on smoothly oiled wheels. I get what marks I deserve, I rarely hope for more than I've managed to get. That's a nice little package tied with a neat bow.
My personal life - social circle etc - is sure screwed up though. It's not like I don't have friends - I have a great bunch, who mean the world to me. They are the most important people in my life after my folks. They can turn my day around with one word - put a smile on my face that lasts all day, or several days sometimes...or wound me so that I hurt for months at end, with just a word. So important are they...but my great luck. Of them only one lives in Mumbai. And she too will leave next year. Kinda leaves me lonely. Coz I simply don't have the taste of relationships that don't have depth. I know it's sensible to have 'friends' in the sense of people you can hang out with, call up when you are bored etc... but I so completely lack at that skill. I actually freeze people out if I feel they are insincere...I can't be bothered with that kind of a fake relationship. Means I have high standards and once you've won my loyalty you could get away with murder with me (almost), but also translates into this very ultra boring social life and hours of boredom, pensive thoughts, and loneliness.
People tell me that I should be glad I have this neat organised life. That others have problems that are 'real' - I agree. My life is a cakewalk compared to millions. I don't need to complain for anything. But does that stop someone from wanting more? I'm not yet a saint....
My personal life - social circle etc - is sure screwed up though. It's not like I don't have friends - I have a great bunch, who mean the world to me. They are the most important people in my life after my folks. They can turn my day around with one word - put a smile on my face that lasts all day, or several days sometimes...or wound me so that I hurt for months at end, with just a word. So important are they...but my great luck. Of them only one lives in Mumbai. And she too will leave next year. Kinda leaves me lonely. Coz I simply don't have the taste of relationships that don't have depth. I know it's sensible to have 'friends' in the sense of people you can hang out with, call up when you are bored etc... but I so completely lack at that skill. I actually freeze people out if I feel they are insincere...I can't be bothered with that kind of a fake relationship. Means I have high standards and once you've won my loyalty you could get away with murder with me (almost), but also translates into this very ultra boring social life and hours of boredom, pensive thoughts, and loneliness.
People tell me that I should be glad I have this neat organised life. That others have problems that are 'real' - I agree. My life is a cakewalk compared to millions. I don't need to complain for anything. But does that stop someone from wanting more? I'm not yet a saint....
Thursday, August 21, 2003
Random rambling...
Huff Puff....I had a boggers block..dint know what to write. Actually I can always write, just dint know what title to give it...LOL!
So yeah...lets see wats new since I last blogged? Not much actually. Just the usual - university and back home. Met Amit on Tuesday after dinner. Bas....yesterday I studied after a long time. I mean I've been reading up and all - but this was serious : putting that reading to use, working out an assignment. I stopped at 11 pm. Gotta do some more stuff today and make the most of the holiday. Hmmm....today is bhabhi's bday. Sunday is amma's b'day. Loads of good food coming my way...slurp!!
That's it for now...
So yeah...lets see wats new since I last blogged? Not much actually. Just the usual - university and back home. Met Amit on Tuesday after dinner. Bas....yesterday I studied after a long time. I mean I've been reading up and all - but this was serious : putting that reading to use, working out an assignment. I stopped at 11 pm. Gotta do some more stuff today and make the most of the holiday. Hmmm....today is bhabhi's bday. Sunday is amma's b'day. Loads of good food coming my way...slurp!!
That's it for now...
Monday, August 18, 2003
Growing Up Is Hard To Do...
Sigh...c'est vrai! Noticed how life gets so complicated once you hit the twenties? So many decisions to make, so many confusions, so many relationships to judge - are you being taken for a ride or is the person sincere? Hmmm....c'est difficile et tres fatiguant!!
Sunday, August 17, 2003
OLA!
Well lets see now...
15th August : Independence Day.
This year for the first time I missed flag hoisting coz I got up late and by the time I got ready it was all over! Very sad...went and said a little private hello to the flag later, but it wasn't enough! I felt quite bad also coz now they have the flag in the garden, where there's no breeze. Earlier the flag was on the building terrace and it would flutter proudly in the breeze! It looked grand specially since it was the only flag on the entire street! How times change...
In the evening we went for 3 Deewarein - I enjoyed it alot! Naseruddin Shah, Juhi Chawla and Nagesh Kukunoor were FAB! Jackie Shroff too was tolerable, despite the fact that I hate the man! Nagesh ofcourse is too cute to be true...I'd grab him anyday! LOL! The movie is really well made - a must see in my opinion.
Saturday - I had gone to town to BCL. Then I met Appu at the Institute - had lunch together before heading back home. She was here till night. Nice. Then went to meet Smita aunty and Girish uncle after ages. Nicer. Got home and had dinner with Suku. He came for dinner after 2 years. The Best.
Sunday - planning a lazy day. Might go out later...let's see.
15th August : Independence Day.
This year for the first time I missed flag hoisting coz I got up late and by the time I got ready it was all over! Very sad...went and said a little private hello to the flag later, but it wasn't enough! I felt quite bad also coz now they have the flag in the garden, where there's no breeze. Earlier the flag was on the building terrace and it would flutter proudly in the breeze! It looked grand specially since it was the only flag on the entire street! How times change...
In the evening we went for 3 Deewarein - I enjoyed it alot! Naseruddin Shah, Juhi Chawla and Nagesh Kukunoor were FAB! Jackie Shroff too was tolerable, despite the fact that I hate the man! Nagesh ofcourse is too cute to be true...I'd grab him anyday! LOL! The movie is really well made - a must see in my opinion.
Saturday - I had gone to town to BCL. Then I met Appu at the Institute - had lunch together before heading back home. She was here till night. Nice. Then went to meet Smita aunty and Girish uncle after ages. Nicer. Got home and had dinner with Suku. He came for dinner after 2 years. The Best.
Sunday - planning a lazy day. Might go out later...let's see.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Curmedgeon Quotes!!
*The male is a domestic animal which, if treated with firmness, can be trained to do most things.* - Jilly Cooper
*Delusions of grandeur make me feel a lot better about myself.* - Jane Wagner
*Relationships are hard. It's like a full time job, and we should treat it like one. If your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to leave you, they should give you two weeks' notice. There should be severance pay, and before they leave you, they should have to find you a temp.* - Bob Ettinger
*Delusions of grandeur make me feel a lot better about myself.* - Jane Wagner
*Relationships are hard. It's like a full time job, and we should treat it like one. If your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to leave you, they should give you two weeks' notice. There should be severance pay, and before they leave you, they should have to find you a temp.* - Bob Ettinger
Monday, August 11, 2003
Update
*Phew*
I'm like so tired these days. Like for the last one week, my ticker has been racing. It's really odd - normally this only happens when I've exerted myself too much or I have congestion. Wonder what's bothering that chunk of muscle so much that it acts up suddenly? I mean it's not like scary..just plain wierd. For a few minutes I feel uneasy and tired, then I'm OK! Mom's insisting on putting me on vitamins, coz she's worried I won't be 'healthy as a horse' while I'm in Germany! LOL! Guess I'll concede to her requests - makes sense anyways!
Aur to kya? Usual hum-drum life. Univ and back. Mansi is going back to Oman this week- Thursday to be exact. I'll miss her again. I spent time with her - but it wasn't enough. She had to meet other people, go out of town, sometimes I'd be busy with other things. So it wasn't enough. Guess now it never will be - the flipside of growing up!
*Sigh*
Lots of things on my mind these days. Jesus do I think alot. I must try and do something about this habit. I, like, analyse things right down to the core - not a very good thing for my sanity.
Hmm... that's it for now...more later. Tomorrow's Rakhi. But I'm not gonna be at home. Got important lectures and tomorrow is the longest day of the week. Will tie bhaiyya a rakhi and go to Univ, and go to Rakesh bhaiyya's place in the evening. Anyways he won't be home coz Rakhi ain't a bank holiday. Long day tomorrow...will keep me busy, out of trouble and thinking to the minimum! Muhahaha! :)
I'm like so tired these days. Like for the last one week, my ticker has been racing. It's really odd - normally this only happens when I've exerted myself too much or I have congestion. Wonder what's bothering that chunk of muscle so much that it acts up suddenly? I mean it's not like scary..just plain wierd. For a few minutes I feel uneasy and tired, then I'm OK! Mom's insisting on putting me on vitamins, coz she's worried I won't be 'healthy as a horse' while I'm in Germany! LOL! Guess I'll concede to her requests - makes sense anyways!
Aur to kya? Usual hum-drum life. Univ and back. Mansi is going back to Oman this week- Thursday to be exact. I'll miss her again. I spent time with her - but it wasn't enough. She had to meet other people, go out of town, sometimes I'd be busy with other things. So it wasn't enough. Guess now it never will be - the flipside of growing up!
*Sigh*
Lots of things on my mind these days. Jesus do I think alot. I must try and do something about this habit. I, like, analyse things right down to the core - not a very good thing for my sanity.
Hmm... that's it for now...more later. Tomorrow's Rakhi. But I'm not gonna be at home. Got important lectures and tomorrow is the longest day of the week. Will tie bhaiyya a rakhi and go to Univ, and go to Rakesh bhaiyya's place in the evening. Anyways he won't be home coz Rakhi ain't a bank holiday. Long day tomorrow...will keep me busy, out of trouble and thinking to the minimum! Muhahaha! :)
Saturday, August 09, 2003
What Colour Am I?
Neutral:
Harmony and balance is key. You don't look at the
world in a negative or positive way and you'll
never judge or assume a situation- you just
look at the facts. People like you are peaceful
and accepting.
Made by
Sara
What color do you see the world in?
brought to you by Quizilla
Once again - THANKS A.DIDDY
Brainwashing Myself
STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY STUDY
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A Song That Touched Me The First Time I Heard It - It Still Does.
Everybody Hurts
When the day is long and the night , the night is yours alone ,
when you're sure you've had enough of this life , well hang on.
Don't let yourself go, everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes .
Sometimes everything is wrong . Now it's time to sing along .
When your day is night alone , (hold on, hold on)
if you feel like letting go, (hold on)
when you think you've had too much of this life , well hang on.
Everybody hurts . Take comfort in your friends .
Everybody hurts . Don't throw your hand . Oh, no. Don't throw your hand .
If you feel like you're alone , no, no, no, you are not alone
If you're on your own in this life , the days and nights are long ,
when you think you've had too much of this life to hang on.
Well , everybody hurts sometimes ,
everybody cries . And everybody hurts sometimes .
And everybody hurts sometimes . So, hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on.
(Everybody hurts . You are not alone .)
By R.E.M
When the day is long and the night , the night is yours alone ,
when you're sure you've had enough of this life , well hang on.
Don't let yourself go, everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes .
Sometimes everything is wrong . Now it's time to sing along .
When your day is night alone , (hold on, hold on)
if you feel like letting go, (hold on)
when you think you've had too much of this life , well hang on.
Everybody hurts . Take comfort in your friends .
Everybody hurts . Don't throw your hand . Oh, no. Don't throw your hand .
If you feel like you're alone , no, no, no, you are not alone
If you're on your own in this life , the days and nights are long ,
when you think you've had too much of this life to hang on.
Well , everybody hurts sometimes ,
everybody cries . And everybody hurts sometimes .
And everybody hurts sometimes . So, hold on, hold on.
Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on.
(Everybody hurts . You are not alone .)
By R.E.M
Friday, August 08, 2003
What Kind of Blogger Am I?
Fun and spunky, you link, there for you are! This
is all fun and games, and you do what you
damned well please!
What kind of blogger am I?
brought to you by Quizilla
Total time pass this is...have nothing to do and loads of time on my hands...so killing it anyway I can. Picked this one up from A.Diddy (as always!)
MEN!!!
*See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time.*
- Robin Williams
I completely agree! LOL!! Seriously men have a wonderful capacity of not using their brains and then saying that women over-analyse evertyhing right? My pals and I have come to the conclusion that it's simply not possible to understand them - irrespective of what age we manage to reach!
Heheh...I just found another funny quote that I must share:
*Man has will, but woman has her way.*
- Oliver Wendell Holmes
I like this man! Seems like he knows it's no use pitting heads against us! LOL!!!
That made me feel better...
But on a more serious note...why must they be so damn confusing? Grrrrrrr!!!
- Robin Williams
I completely agree! LOL!! Seriously men have a wonderful capacity of not using their brains and then saying that women over-analyse evertyhing right? My pals and I have come to the conclusion that it's simply not possible to understand them - irrespective of what age we manage to reach!
Heheh...I just found another funny quote that I must share:
*Man has will, but woman has her way.*
- Oliver Wendell Holmes
I like this man! Seems like he knows it's no use pitting heads against us! LOL!!!
That made me feel better...
But on a more serious note...why must they be so damn confusing? Grrrrrrr!!!
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Too Tiddle Tum Ti Da Dum...
LOL!!
I've not gone mad or decided to turn into a musician or anything. Just happy, very happy. I didn't sleep well last night, so I should logically be grumpy as hell. Tossing around the whole night does that to me... but no! I'm like all sun-shiney happy!! Hehehe!! It's odd, the reason I'm so happy might lead to loads of confusion later on, but hell enjoy it while it lasts? Don't look a gift horse in its mouth? Why complicate life before it complicates itself - it needs no help from me that's for sure!! Haha! So happy I am for now...
Touchwood.
Beyond that, our little Schnappy is getting naughtier and more wicked by the day. Today early in the morning he ended up getting a beating for his mischief. That dog so desperately needs training. He's the most destructive and spoilt dog we've had! And he refuses to accept that he's like a kid and when he's scolded for his mischief he must show some regret - ulta humein daat padti hai Schnapps se usko daatne ke liye! LOL!
I've not gone mad or decided to turn into a musician or anything. Just happy, very happy. I didn't sleep well last night, so I should logically be grumpy as hell. Tossing around the whole night does that to me... but no! I'm like all sun-shiney happy!! Hehehe!! It's odd, the reason I'm so happy might lead to loads of confusion later on, but hell enjoy it while it lasts? Don't look a gift horse in its mouth? Why complicate life before it complicates itself - it needs no help from me that's for sure!! Haha! So happy I am for now...
Touchwood.
Beyond that, our little Schnappy is getting naughtier and more wicked by the day. Today early in the morning he ended up getting a beating for his mischief. That dog so desperately needs training. He's the most destructive and spoilt dog we've had! And he refuses to accept that he's like a kid and when he's scolded for his mischief he must show some regret - ulta humein daat padti hai Schnapps se usko daatne ke liye! LOL!
Monday, August 04, 2003
Weekend Talk
Woohoo...what a WIERD weekend!
Saturday was the supposedly BIG celebration dinner. It can never be really BIG with my SMALL circle of friends that I consider important enough to invite. So anyways from the guestlist of 4, 2 were out of town/busy. That boiled down to my usual two - Appu and Kunu!
So the three of us went to Noodle Bar - where we had this yummy dinner. Most satisfying meal in some time! But as far as conversation went - man was it a wierd eveg! First the music doesn't encourage conversation at the place...then thru-out one of us switched off at some point or the other and went absolutely blank on the other two, aggravating them! LOL! After dinner we debated over Town, Bandstand or just simply Mocha's. Then seeing the naka-bandi all over, coz of Saturday night + the recent bomb blasts scare, we decided to stick to Mocha. That was nice...kinda. We had this awesome dessert called Chocolate Avalanche Junior, which is this HUGE cup filled with chocolate mousse, fudge, cake and icecream..topped by a chocolate stick. GOD - that was heavenly. Yeah we did our blanking out there too...wierd threesome we are na?
On the way back home, we witnessed what seemed like a drunk man and his harem trying to convince him to take the man he'd run over to Cooper...absolutely not-happening and a bit scary! Sped away from THAT scene as fast as we could...
Sunday was ultra lazy. Appu left at noon, after which I lazed and slept. In the evening Tasneem came over to take her Alliance Francaise I-Card and we chatted about we will miss each other's company. Niveau III starts today... it is gonna be so wierd when I join in Jan and know no one - like starting all over again! Anyways I'm grown up enough to deal with that :)
Went for dinner to Dosa Diner - only to realise all of MARS restaurant's are shut down! ABSOLUTELY BIZARRE!! Anyways ended up at Only Parathas for one heavy meal! But yummy - cheese paratha, that's the way to heaven after chocolates!!
Today I'm bunking coz I've decided I MUST bunk. Everyone bunks, why not me? *Petulant look* Just wanted to stay home today and take a break. Plus we have only 1 decent lecture today. Enough reasons to bunk...don't you think?
Saturday was the supposedly BIG celebration dinner. It can never be really BIG with my SMALL circle of friends that I consider important enough to invite. So anyways from the guestlist of 4, 2 were out of town/busy. That boiled down to my usual two - Appu and Kunu!
So the three of us went to Noodle Bar - where we had this yummy dinner. Most satisfying meal in some time! But as far as conversation went - man was it a wierd eveg! First the music doesn't encourage conversation at the place...then thru-out one of us switched off at some point or the other and went absolutely blank on the other two, aggravating them! LOL! After dinner we debated over Town, Bandstand or just simply Mocha's. Then seeing the naka-bandi all over, coz of Saturday night + the recent bomb blasts scare, we decided to stick to Mocha. That was nice...kinda. We had this awesome dessert called Chocolate Avalanche Junior, which is this HUGE cup filled with chocolate mousse, fudge, cake and icecream..topped by a chocolate stick. GOD - that was heavenly. Yeah we did our blanking out there too...wierd threesome we are na?
On the way back home, we witnessed what seemed like a drunk man and his harem trying to convince him to take the man he'd run over to Cooper...absolutely not-happening and a bit scary! Sped away from THAT scene as fast as we could...
Sunday was ultra lazy. Appu left at noon, after which I lazed and slept. In the evening Tasneem came over to take her Alliance Francaise I-Card and we chatted about we will miss each other's company. Niveau III starts today... it is gonna be so wierd when I join in Jan and know no one - like starting all over again! Anyways I'm grown up enough to deal with that :)
Went for dinner to Dosa Diner - only to realise all of MARS restaurant's are shut down! ABSOLUTELY BIZARRE!! Anyways ended up at Only Parathas for one heavy meal! But yummy - cheese paratha, that's the way to heaven after chocolates!!
Today I'm bunking coz I've decided I MUST bunk. Everyone bunks, why not me? *Petulant look* Just wanted to stay home today and take a break. Plus we have only 1 decent lecture today. Enough reasons to bunk...don't you think?
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